Antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter spp. isolated from Ontario sheep flocks and associations between antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance.

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in faecal Campylobacter spp. from lambs and adult sheep and associations between antimicrobial use (AMU) and AMR. A total of 275 faecal samples collected during initial and final visits from 51 sheep flocks, including one feedlot, across southern Ontario were tested for the presence of Campylobacter spp. Campylobacter jejuni was detected in 52% (143/275) of the faecal samples, Campylobacter coli in 7% (19/275), Campylobacter lari in 1% (2/275) and 2% (4/275) were non-speciated Campylobacter. Broth microdilution was used to test antimicrobial susceptibility of 162 isolates to nine antimicrobials. Campylobacter jejuni isolates (n = 142) were resistant to tetracycline (39%), ciprofloxacin (4%), nalidixic acid (4%) and telithromycin (1%). C. coli isolates (n = 19) were resistant to tetracycline (74%), and azithromycin, clindamycin, erythromycin, and telithromycin (5%). The C. lari isolate displayed resistance to nalidixic acid. No statistically significant associations were found between AMU and AMR during multivariate modelling in this study.

2009 H1N1 influenza infection in Korean healthcare personnel.

Healthcare personnel (HCP) can acquire influenza and transmit it to patients and other hospital staff. The aim of this study was to evaluate the attack rate of HCP by the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus during the 2009 pandemic influenza season in Korea. HCP infected with H1N1 virus were asked to fill out a questionnaire, which included job type, method of diagnosis, facility type, history of contact with patients infected by H1N1 virus, vaccination status, and use of personal protective equipment. A total of 328 HCP (female 68.6%, 225/328) were infected with H1N1 virus at the nine study centers. The highest attack rate was in physicians, followed by nurses and nurses' aides. Transmission occurred primarily after contact with outpatients (27.8%), followed by contact with inpatients (21.6%). Most (77.3%) of the infected HCP never used an N95 mask during contact with patients. Surgical masks were always used by 29.4% of the subjects and usually or intermittent used by 46.9%. The peak incidence of the H1N1 infection among HCP preceded that among the general population. Among HCPs, physicians, nurses, and nurses' aides were at the greatest risk of H1N1 infection. HCP should be more vigilant and protect themselves with appropriate personal protective equipment during the influenza season.

Comparison of urinary bromide levels among people in East Asia, and the effects of dietary intakes of cereals and marine products.

Groups of people with no occupational exposure to Br-containing chemicals (29-54 year old, mostly women) in Japan, China and Korea, respectively, offered spot urine samples. Those in China and Korea offered 24 h duplicates of foods of the day. Urine samples were analyzed for Br by ECD-gas chromatography (ECD-GC) after derivatization to methyl bromide, and the Br-U was adjusted for a specific gravity of 1.016. Food intake data were based on national statistics and supplemented by the food duplicate data. Mean Br-U was 5.4 and 6.5 mg/l for Japanese men and women, respectively. Mean levels were in a range of 1.8-2.8 mg/l for four groups of Chinese, and 8-12 mg/l for the four groups of women in Korea. Br-U levels among Korean women were close levels reported for occupational exposure to 1- or 2-bromopropane, or methyl bromide. Regression analyses showed that Br-U levels were influenced by the intake of marine products (such as sea algae, sea fish and shellfish) and fruits, and inversely relate to intakes of cereals and potato.

Bilateral tonic (Adie's) pupils in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome.

We report a 38-year-old woman with bilateral tonic (Adie's) pupils who was diagnosed as having Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome. The tonic pupils persisted after other clinical features of this syndrome had disappeared.

Use of solvents in industries in Korea: experience in Sinpyeong-Jangrim industrial complex.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the most popular solvent and typical type of solvent work among solvent-using workplaces in Korea. METHODS: In practice, 862 solvent-using workshops in Sinpyeong-Jangrim industrial complex in Pusan were investigated in a 2-year period from March 1995 to February 1997. Solvent vapors in the breathing zone of workers were collected by personal sampling with charcoal tubes. The exposed charcoal was extracted with carbon disulfide, and the solvents in the extract were analyzed by flame ionization detector-equipped gas chromatography (FID-GC). RESULTS: Solvents were used in painting, glue application, cleaning, printing and solvent-mixing workshops in decreasing order of popularity. Toluene was the most frequently measured solvent. In the five types of solvent work, acetone, hexane, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene and xylenes were also used frequently. CONCLUSIONS: Toluene was identified as the most frequently used solvent in solvent works in Korean manufacture industries in the late 1990s. Eight types of solvent were popularly used in five popular types of solvent work. These trends are very similar to the cases reported for industries in Japan.

One-year follow-up of laser trabeculoplasty using Q-switched frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser of 523 nm wavelength.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical efficacy and safety of a new laser treatment of open angle glaucoma that targets pigmented cells in the trabecular meshwork for disruption. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 16 eyes of chronic open angle glaucoma patients were treated in the method similar to argon laser trabeculoplasty using Q-switched, frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser (523 nm). The treatment results were followed and analyzed for a one-year period. RESULTS: Mean intraocular pressure reduction of 3.81 mm Hg (15%) at 3 months, 3.94 mm Hg (16.1%) at 6 months, and 4.93 mm Hg (20.2%) at 12 months from the baseline were obtained. Slightly greater reductions were seen in the responder group that consisted of eyes showing 3 mm Hg or greater reduction. Adverse reactions were minimal and not significant. CONCLUSION: This new laser trabeculoplasty has shown reasonable efficacy and safety on a limited number of eyes over a one year duration.

Exposure of women in general populations to lead via food and air in East and Southeast Asia.

BACKGROUND: Despite increasing public concern of the possible health effects of lead (Pb) on general populations, reports on Pb levels in blood (Pb-B) and urine (Pb-B), as well as Pb intake via foods (Pb-F) for many Asian countries are scarce. The present study was initiated to elucidate the extent of non-occupational Pb exposure among general populations in East and Southeast Asia. METHODS: In 1991-1997, peripheral blood, morning spot urine and 24-hour food duplicate samples were collected from 20 to 50 non-smoking adult women in each of four cities in Southeast Asia and five cities in Mainland China, and two cities each in Japan and Korea. The samples were wet-ashed and then analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for Pb-B, Pb-U and Pb-F. Measures after logarithmic conversion were subjected to ANOVA and regression analysis. RESULTS: Geometric mean values in cities in East and Southeast Asia were in ranges of 32-65 microg/L for Pb-B, 2.1-7.5 microg/g cr for Pb-Ucr, and 7-32 microg/day for Pb-F. The values for a combination of two cities of Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan (38 microg/L for Pb-B and 9.3 microg/day for Pb-F) appeared to be lower than the values for other Asian cities, and the values for all Japan (thus including both urban and rural areas) were even lower (19 microg/L for Pb-B and 7.7 microg/day for Pb-F). Comparison of Pb uptake via respiratory and dietary routes showed that Pb via dietary route accounted for 15% of the total in Manila where Pb in air was high (ca. 650 ng/m(3)), whereas it was 54% in Tokyo+Kyoto where Pb in air was low (ca. 75 ng/m(3)). CONCLUSIONS: When compared internationally, Pb-F and Pb-B in Asia in general are similar to or somewhat higher than the levels in Europe and USA, whereas the levels in Japan are probably lower than the two latter areas. In Asia, Pb-F accounted for 15-54% of all Pb sources, the percentage being variable depending on local conditions especially Pb in atmospheric air.

Urban population exposure to lead and cadmium in east and south-east Asia.

Information is still scarce for many Asian countries on general population exposure to two potentially toxic heavy metals of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). The present review on publications from this study group is intended to provide an overview of the non-occupational exposure to Pb and Cd among general populations in east and south-east Asia. During the period of 1991-1998, surveys were conducted in four cities in south-east Asia, five cities in mainland China, and two cities each in Japan and Korea. Peripheral blood, morning spot urine and 24-h food duplicate samples were collected from 20-50 non-smoking adult women in each survey site. The samples were digested by heating in the presence of mineral acids, and then analyzed by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the metals in blood (Pb-B and Cd-B), in urine (Pb-U and Cd-U), and in food duplicate (Pb-F and Cd-F). Measures were subjected to statistical analysis with an assumption of log-normal distribution. Pb-B, Pb-U and Pb-F levels varied substantially among the 11 urban sites; GM distributed in ranges of 32-65 microg/l for Pb-B, 2.1-7.5 microg/g cr (creatinine) for Pb-U, and 7-32 microg/day for Pb-F. The same was also the case for Cd exposure parameters, the distribution ranges being 0.5-1.8 microg/l for Cd-B, 1.2-3.1 microg/g cr for Cd-U, and 5-32 microg/day for Cd-F. It appeared that the exposure to Pb and Cd was highest in Kuala Lumpur, and Tokyo + Kyoto, respectively, and lowest in Tokyo + Kyoto and in Manila. Additional surveys in Japan showed that Pb exposure was even lower in rural areas than in Tokyo + Kyoto. When compared with the values reported in the literature, Pb exposure levels among Asian populations appear to be similar to the levels in Europe and in the United States, whereas Cd exposure seems to be higher in Asia than in Europe. The contribution of the dietary route in Pb absorption was variable and was inversely related to the extent of air pollution, whereas Cd uptake was almost exclusively via the dietary route with little contribution of the respiratory route.

Correlation between urine and blood concentrations, and dietary intake of cadmium and lead among women in the general population of Japan.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether lead (Pb) in urine and cadmium (Cd) in blood, especially the former, can be used as markers of environmental exposure of general populations to these metals. METHODS: Between 1991 and 1998, spot urine and peripheral blood samples, together with 24 h duplicates of food intake were collected from 607 non-smoking adult women in 30 survey sites (SS) in seven administrative regions all over Japan. Urine, blood and food duplicate samples were analyzed by inductively-coupled plasma spectrometry, for Cd and Pb in urine (Cd-U and Pb-U), in blood (Cd-B and Pb-B) and in food duplicates (Cd-F and Pb-F). Correlation between the measurements was examined by regression analysis. RESULTS: The Cd-B correlated closely with Cd-U, and both Cd-B and Cd-U with Cd-F, on an individual basis (n = 607), on an SS basis (n = 30) and on a regional basis (n = 7). The Pb-U however did not correlate with Pb-B on a regional basis although they correlated with each other when analyzed on an individual as well as SS basis. Moreover, the correlation coefficients between Pb-U and Pb-B were much smaller than those between Cd-U and Cd-B. Neither Pb-U nor Pb-B showed significant correlation with Pb-F on any levels of statistical analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Both Cd-B and Cd-U can be employed as biomarkers of environmental Cd exposure. The reliability of Pb-U for use in place of Pb-B appeared to be small.

Normal liver function in women in the general Japanese population subjected to environmental exposure to cadmium at various levels.

OBJECTIVES: Whereas it is well established that environmental exposure to cadmium (Cd) may induce kidney dysfunction, less attention has been paid to the possible disturbance of liver function by Cd exposure. The possibility that liver function is adversely affected by current levels of environmental exposure to Cd as investigated in women in the general population in Japan, where the background level of exposure to Cd is known to be high. METHODS: From 1991 to 1997, 24-h food duplicate, peripheral blood and morning spot urine samples were collected from 607 non-smoking and non-habitually drinking women (age range 19-78 years) at 30 survey sites (with no known environmental pollution from heavy metals) throughout Japan. Liver function parameters in serum were examined by conventional methods. After wet-ashing, the food duplicate, blood and urine samples were analyzed for Cd intake via food (Cd-F), Cd in blood (Cd-B), and Cd in urine (Cd-U) by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The geometric mean values for Cd-F, Cd-B, and Cd-U were 24.7 (27.1) microg/day, 1.76 (2.07) microg/l, and 3.94 (4.61) microg/g creatinine (values in parentheses for 41- to 60-year-old women), respectively. It as found that the three parameters of ALP, ALT, and AST activity were positively and significantly related to the age of the subjects (whereas no association as detected in cases of gamma-GTP, LAP, and albumin). Accordingly, a further analysis as made with 367 women selected by age (41-60 years; about 60% of the total population). Essentially, no Cd dose-dependent changes in liver function parameters were observed in the selected population of this narrower age range. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, it seemed prudent to conclude that liver function as not disturbed by the current environmental exposure to Cd in Japan.

Further reduction in lead exposure in women in general populations in Japan in the 1990s, and comparison with levels in east and south-east Asia.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to elucidate the current level of environmental lead (Pb) exposure of women in general population in Japan, where the use of organic Pb in automobile gasoline was phased out from 1973 to reach a zero level early in the 1980s. METHODS: A survey was conducted in 27 sites throughout Japan from 1991 to 1997. Five hundred and eighty-eight non-smoking women from the sites offered 24-h food duplicate, peripheral blood, and spot urine samples. Pb in food duplicates (Pb-F), blood (Pb-B), and urine (Pb-U) were analyzed by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results of Pb-F and Pb-B were compared with observations from a study conducted from 1977 to 1981 on 339 women at the same sites. Log-normal distribution was assumed for the evaluation of the results. RESULTS: Geometric means (GMs) of Pb-F, Pb-B, and Pb-U in the 1991-1997 study were 9.0 microg/day, 20.2 microg/l, and 2.18 microg/g creatinine, respectively. The values for Pb-F and Pb-B were substantially lower than the values (32.8 microg/day for Pb-F and 31.7 microg/l for Pb-B) obtained in the 1977-1981 study, which were already low when compared internationally. Cd-U values in the period from 1991 to 1997 also appeared to be among the lowest in the world. Analysis for time-dependent changes in Pb-U was, however, not possible at the time of this study because no values were available for the period from 1977 to 1981. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial reductions from 1977-1981 levels in environmental Pb exposure were observed among the study populations in Japan. Current exposure levels appear to be lower than those in other parts of Asia, the USA, and Europe.

Correlation between concentration in urine and in blood of cadmium and lead among women in Asia.

The objectives of the present study are to examine if there exists a quantitative relationship between lead in urine (Pb-U) and that in blood (Pb-B), and also between cadmium in urine (Cd-U) and that in blood (Cd-B) among the general populations who are environmentally (and not occupationally) exposed to these elements at various levels. For this purpose, peripheral blood and morning spot urine samples were collected in 1991-1998 from approximately 50 non-smoking adult women each in four cities in south-east Asia and five cities in mainland China, and two cities each in Japan and Korea. The samples were wet-ashed and then analyzed by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry for Pb-B, Cd-B, Pb-U and Cd-U. Measured values were subjected to analysis to detect possible correlation between the pairs of parameters. A significant correlation between Pb-B and Pb-U was observed when the intensity of Pb exposure (as expressed by Pb-B) was relatively high so that the correlation was significant in all cases studied when Pb-B level was, e.g. 50 microg/l or above. It was also observed that the correlation between Cd-B and Cd-U was significant when Cd-B was, e.g. > 1 microg/l. Thus, it is possible to deduce that, in environmental health, Pb-B and Cd-U levels can be estimated on a group basis from Pb-U and Cd-B, respectively, when Pb and Cd exposure levels are relatively high, e.g. with Pb-B and Cd-B of > 50 microg/l and > 1 microg/l.

Possible effects of environmental cadmium exposure on kidney function in the Japanese general population.

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether the current level of environmental exposure to cadmium (Cd) is associated with kidney dysfunction among general populations in Japan. METHODS: A nationwide survey was conducted in Japan from 1991 to 1997 at 30 survey sites (with no known environmental heavy metal pollution), by the collection of 24-h food-duplicate samples, peripheral blood specimens and morning spot urine samples. In practice, 607 non-smoking adult women provided these samples. After being wet-ashed, the samples were analyzed for Cd in food duplicates (Cd-F), in blood (Cd-B) and urine (Cd-U) by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Urine samples were also analyzed for alpha 1-microglobulin (alpha 1-MG), beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-MG) and retinol-binding protein (RBP), creatinine (cr) and specific gravity. Possible tubular dysfunction in association with Cd exposure was examined by simple, multiple and logistic regression analyses, and comparison among three different Cd-dose groups. To minimize the confounding effects of aging, 367 women from 41 to 60 years old were selected and subjected to the same statistical analyses. RESULTS: The analysis of a whole population of 607 women showed that alpha 1-MG and possibly beta 2-MG increased as a function of Cd-F, Cd-B and Cd-U. When the analysis was repeated with the selected population of 367 women aged 41-60, the Cd dose-dependent changes in alpha 1-MG and beta 2-MG became less evident. The distribution of the selected population with alpha 1-MG above two low cut-off values of > 4.9 and > 8.4 mg/g cr or with beta 2-MG above the lowest cut-off value of > 400 micrograms/g cr, was biased toward the group with higher Cd-Ucr, but such bias was not significant for both alpha 1-MG and beta 2-MG when higher cut-off values were employed. No bias was detected with RBP. Logistic regression analysis with alpha 1-MG, beta 2-MG and RBP (with cut-off values given above) in combination with age, Cd-F, Cd-B and Cd-Ucr gave essentially the same results. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence for kidney dysfunction was of borderline significance in the present study population for which geometric mean Cd-F, Cd-B and Cd-U were 24.7 micrograms/day, 1.76 micrograms/l, and 3.94 micrograms/g cr, respectively. The findings might suggest at the same time that the safety margin is small for the Japanese general population regarding environmental Cd exposure.

Cadmium exposure of women in general populations in Japan during 1991-1997 compared with 1977-1981.

OBJECTIVES: The Japanese people are known to have high environmental exposure to cadmium (Cd). The present survey was initiated to elucidate possible changes in the intensity of Cd exposure to the population by comparison of the present exposure level with the situation some 15 years ago. METHODS: During 1991-1997, 24-h food-duplicate samples, peripheral blood specimens and morning spot urine samples were collected from 588 non smoking women from 27 survey sites in six regions, where food-duplicate and blood samples had also been obtained during 1977-1981 from 399 women. The samples were wet-ashed (after homogenization in the case of food-duplicates), and Cd in the wet-ashed samples was analyzed by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry for Cd intake via foods (Cd-F), Cd concentration in blood (Cd-B) and Cd concentration in urine (Cd-U). The Cd-F and Cd-B were compared with the Cd-F and Cd-B obtained at the same sites in the 1977-1981 survey. RESULTS: The exposure levels during 1991-1997 were such that Cd-F, Cd-B and Cd-Ucr (Cd-U after correction for creatinine concentration) were 25.5 micrograms/day, 1.90 micrograms/l and 4.39 micrograms/g creatinine. Comparison with the 1977-1981 survey results (i.e., 37.5 micrograms/day for Cd-F and 3.47 micrograms/l for Cd-B) showed that there were significant reductions (by 32 and 45%) in both parameters respectively during the last 15 years. The dietary route was an almost exclusive (i.e., 99% of the sum of dietary and respiratory uptake) route of Cd uptake, of which Cd in rice (11.7 micrograms/day) contributed about 40% of the total dietary intake. When compared among survey sites, inter-site variation in dietary Cd intake was primarily due to differences in the intake through boiled rice. Despite the recent reduction in Cd exposure, the current exposure level for Japanese people is still higher than the levels among other rice-dependent populations in Asia as well as in other parts of the world. Comparison was made between the present findings in general populations and observations among known Cd-pollution cases in Japan. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary uptake is an almost exclusive route of Cd exposure in the general Japanese population. Boiled rice is a strong determinant of variation in dietary Cd intake. Whereas there was a substantial reduction in Cd exposure among Japanese populations in the last 15 years, the current level is still high when compared internationally.

Background exposure of general women populations in Japan to cadmium in the environment and possible health effects.

1. The surveys were conducted in 1990s on 470 non-smoking adult women [with no specific exposure to cadmium (Cd)] in 22 sites in six regions in Japan. 2. It was found that the dietary Cd intake (as a grand geometric mean) was 25.9 microg/day, the Cd level in blood was 2.1 microg/l, and Cd level in urine was 2.1 microg/g creat. 3. Cd in rice contributed about 30% of total dietary Cd intake. 4. There was a substantial reduction in Cd burden when compared with observation in 1980s. 5. Effects on kidney functions were essentially negative when evaluated in terms of beta2-microglobulin (beta2-MG), but might be positive when alpha1-microglobulin (alpha1-MG) was evaluated; further studies are apparently necessary. 6. No effects on liver functions were detected.

Exposure of citizens in China and in Japan to lead and cadmium: a comparative study.

To compare the background exposure of general urban populations to lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in China and Japan, 250 adult women in five Chinese cities and 72 women in three Japanese cities were surveyed by means of collection and analyses of food duplicate and blood samples. The results show that the geometric mean dietary Pb intake and Pb level in blood were significantly higher among Chinese (24.6 microg/day and 45.8 ng/ml) than their counterparts in Japan (14.6 microg/day and 32.2 ng/ml). In contrast, Cd exposures were significantly higher among Japanese women (34.1 microg/day and 1.91 ng/ml) than among Chinese women (8.8 microg/day and 0.61 ng/ml). Thus, the public health concern should be focussed on Pb exposure for Chinese population and Cd for Japanese people.

Evaluation of urinary cadmium and lead as markers of background exposure of middle-aged women in Korea: dietary intake as an influential factor.

The study was conducted to examine the validity of urinary cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in comparison with the metals in blood as a biological marker of non-occupational exposure of general populations. Participants in four survey sites in Korea (107 non-smoking Korean women aged 30-49 years) offered peripheral blood, morning spot urine, and 24-h total food duplicate samples. Analysis of Cd and Pb was accomplished by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The analyse levels were evaluated on an individual basis (n = 107) and also on a survey site basis, i.e. in terms of geometric means for the groups in the survey sites (n = 4). Cd in urine (as observed, or after correction for creatinine concentration or a specific gravity) correlated with Cd in blood on an individual as well as survey site basis, and tended to correlate with Cd in food duplicates on the survey site basis. Correlation of Pb in urine with Pb in blood was weaker than that of Cd in urine with Cd in blood both on the individual and survey site basis. Pb in urine correlated with Pb in food duplicates either weakly or even negatively when examined on a survey site basis. It was concluded that Cd in urine can be most probably employed as a biological marker of environmental Cd exposure of general population, whereas less support was obtained for Pb in urine as an exposure marker.

Estimates of mineral intakes using food composition tables vs measures by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry: Part 1. calcium, phosphorus and iron.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the accuracy of food composition table (FCT)-based estimation of dietary nutrient element intake in reference to the instrumental measurement by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Communities. SUBJECTS: 884 adult non-smoking women in 23 study sites in 6 areas in Asia (i.e. China (Mainland), China (Taiwan), Korea, Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines. METHODS: 24-hour food duplicate samples foods offered by the women were subjected (1) to the estimation of daily dietary intake of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe), using 6 types of national FCTs one for each area, and (2) to ICP-MS analysis for the measurement of the same elements. RESULTS: Comparison of the estimated values (E) with corresponding measured values (M) in terms of the mean (E)/(M) ratio for each area showed that the ratio was various among the 6 areas studied. Ca showed smallest deviation (69 to 165%) from the agreement (100%), which was followed by P (113 to 306%), whereas Fe showed the largest deviation (124 to 368%). CONCLUSIONS: Caution should be exercised in using FCTs for estimation of dietary Fe intake. The wide variation was not due to the use of the FCT established for each area, because the inter-study site variation within one area was as large as the inter-area variation.

Estimates of mineral intakes using food composition tables vs measures by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry: Part 2: sodium, potassium, magnesium, copper, zinc.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the accuracy of food composition table (FCT)-based estimation of dietary nutrient element intake in reference to the instrumental measurement by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), as an extension of the first part of this study. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Communities. SUBJECTS: 782 adult non-smoking women in 21 sites in 4 areas [China (Mainland), Japan, Korea and Malaysia] in Asia. METHODS: 24-h food duplicate samples offered by the women were subjected 1. to the estimation (E) of daily element intake taking advantage of national food composition tables (FCTs) and 2. to the measurement (M) by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The two sets of the results were compared in terms of the (E)/(M) ratio. Because of the limited availability of the element database in the FCTs, the comparison on Na and K was possible in the 4 areas, whereas that of Mg, Cu and Zn was only in two areas of China (Mainland) and Japan. RESULTS: The (E)/(M) ratio was in a relatively narrow range of 75 to 114% in case of Na, and 91 to 120% for K (with one exception of 201% for K in Malaysia). Correlation coefficients between (E) and (M) were statistically significant for both Na and K in the 4 areas. In cases of Mg, Cu and Zn, agreements were generally poor, and the (E)/(M) ratio was close to 100% only in the cases of Cu and Zn in Japan. CONCLUSIONS: In overall evaluation combining the results on Ca, P and Fe in the preceding report with the results in the present report on Na, K, Mg, Cu and Zn, FCT-based estimation generally did not agree with the measure by ICP-MS. The disagreement did not allow precise FCTs-based estimation of dietary intakes of these nutrient elements, possibly except for Na.

Evaluation of urinary cadmium and lead as markers of background exposure of middle-aged women in Korea.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was initiated to investigate the validity of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in urine in comparison with the metals in blood as a biological marker of nonoccupational exposure of general populations to these metals as environmental pollutants. DESIGN: Peripheral blood samples, morning spot-urine samples, and 24-h total food duplicate samples were collected from 107 nonsmoking women (aged 30-59 years) in four urban and rural survey sites in Korea. METHODS: Portions of the samples were digested by heating in the presence of mineral acids, and the digests were analyzed for Cd and Pb by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The metal concentrations in urine were adjusted for creatinine concentration and a specific gravity of 1.016. The analyte levels were evaluated on an individual basis (n = 107) and also on a group basis, i.e., in terms of geometric means for the survey sites (n = 4). RESULTS: Cd in urine correlated with Cd in blood on an individual as well as survey-site basis and tended to correlate with Cd in food duplicates on a group basis. The correlation of Pb in urine with Pb in blood was weaker than that of Cd in urine with Cd in blood when evaluated on an individual and survey-site basis. Pb in urine correlated with Pb in food duplicates either weakly or even negatively when examined on a survey-site basis. CONCLUSIONS: Cd in urine proved to be valid as a biological marker of environmental exposure of general populations, whereas less support was obtained for Pb in urine as an exposure marker.