MyMedR

Displaying publications 321 - 340 of 413 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Rabies epidemiology in Malaysia (2015-2023): A cross-sectional insights and strategies for control

Wada YA, Mazlan M, Noordin MM, Mohd-Lila MA, Fong LS, Ramanoon SZ, et al.

Vaccine, 2024 Dec 02;42(26):126371.
PMID: 39288577 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.126371

BACKGROUND: Malaysia currently faces significant challenges in controlling the spread of dog-mediated human rabies, as evidenced by recurrent outbreaks in newly affected areas and increasing human fatalities.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyse surveillance data from 2015 to 2023 to examine the epidemiological characteristics of rabies in Malaysia. Data from multiple sources were used, and descriptive statistics, incidence rates, and reproductive numbers were calculated. QGIS software was used to map the distribution of rabies cases, and statistical methods were employed to evaluate associations between rabies incidence, vaccination coverage, and risk factors. We further explored the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns and public health interventions in reducing rabies transmission.
RESULTS: Our findings revealed 995 confirmed rabies cases in animals. Sarawak reported the highest proportion of rabies cases at 97.99 %, showing a significant correlation between location and rabies cases (p
Synovial Fluid-Derived Exosomes from Osteoarthritis Patients Modulate Cell Surface Phenotypes of Monocytes and Cytokine Secretions

Mohd Noor NA, Jun Quan N, Mazlan NAAA, Nurul AA, Ahmad Mohd Zain MR, Azlan M

Immunol Invest, 2024 Dec 19.
PMID: 39702926 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2024.2443244

BACKGROUND: Exosomes can be found in the synovial fluid of inflamed knee joints, which play a significant role in osteoarthritis (OA) progression. However, their role - in modulating the cellular environment within the body, particularly monocytes remain unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of exosomes on monocytes.
METHODS: Exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifugation and characterized using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Western blot. The effect of exosomes in modulating monocyte phenotypes as well as cytokine secretion were further assessed in a co-culture condition using flow cytometry and ELISA accordingly.
RESULTS: Exosomes were identified as spherical particles with a size distribution ranging from 30 nm to 150 nm. These nanoparticles intensely expressed exosome protein markers including CD9, CD63, CD81, and HSP70. The expression of HLA-DR, CD14, and CD11b on monocytes decreased in the presence of exosomes after 24 h of incubation, regardless of the dose. Exosomes significantly induced the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-1Ra in a time- and dose-dependent manner, while TNF-α secretion remains unchanged regardless of the presence or absence of exosomes.
CONCLUSION: This study highlights the immunoregulatory role of exosomes on monocytes, emphasizing the need for further studies into the underlying mechanism.
Fulltext Physical properties of banana pseudo-stem woven fabric treated with softening agent

Wan Syazehan Ruznan, Suraya Ahmad Suhaimi, Nazzuha Pairan, Aimi Umairah Mazlan, Anis Naziihah Azrain, Intan Shahirah Md Rosli, et al.

Journal of Academia Universiti Teknologi MARA Negeri Sembilan, 2020;8(2):76-83.
MyJurnal

Fibres from banana’s stem are abundantly available in Malaysia. This study focused on the production
of woven fabric from banana pseudo-stem fibres. Yarn made of 100% banana stem and 100% cotton
yarn were produced. Two types of retting techniques were conducted, which are water retting and
retting using softening agent. The fibres were spun and weaved into plain weave fabric. All specimens
were evaluated for yarn twist, yarn evenness, yarn linear density and selected fabric physical
properties. The results obtained showed that banana stem fabric treated with softening agent has lower
area density and higher thickness. Weft sample retted in softening agent has higher bending length and
flexural rigidity than sample retted in water. This might be due to the decrement of yarn’s stiffness,
which eases the insertion of yarn during shedding process. Weft sample retted in water has lower
bending length due to coarser yarn and tends to break easily. It is found that retting banana stem fibres
with softening agent affect the yarn linear density, area density, fabric stiffness properties and flexural
rigidity of the fabric.
Uniaxial compressive strength of Antarctic Peninsula rocks: Schmidt hammer rebound test

Goh Thian Lai, Nur Amanina Mazlan, Mohd Shahrul Mohd Nadzir, Azimah Hussin, Abdul Ghani Rafek, Ailie Sofyiana Serasa, et al.

Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:677-684.

The uniaxial compressive strength test is a destructive and time consuming test. A number of non-destructive methods using portable testing equipment are more applicable and easier to conduct. This paper presents the results of a systematic approach to determine the uniaxial compressive strength of rock material using the Schmidt hammer rebound test. A total of five distinct locations (Graham Coast, Davis Coast, Nanson Island, Danco Coast and Trinity Island) were tested using the Schmidt rebound hammer test. Peninsula Antarctic located at northwest of Antarctic region comprising of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Statistical analysis of the results at 95% confidence level showed the Schmidt rebound value of the Graham Coast ranges from 40±1.7 to 41±1.3 with standard deviation of 8.2 to 6.4. The rebound value for Davis Coast was 39±1.6 with standard deviation of 7.7. Rocks from Nanson Island and Danco Coast have the Schmidt rebound value of 54±1.7 with standard deviation of 8.0 and 36±1.3 with standard deviation of 6.2, respectively. The Schmidt rebound value of rocks at Trinity Island ranges from 29±1.4 to 32±1.7 with standard deviation of 6.8 to 8.1. Thus, the respective uniaxial compressive strengths of rock materials from Graham Coast, Davis Coast, Danco Coast, Nanson Island and Trinity Island were 73-108, 50, 59, 164 and 45-59 MPa. The respective ISRM strength classification of rock materials of Graham Coast, Davis Coast, Danco Coast, Nanson Island and Trinity Island were strong (R4) to very strong rock (R5), medium strong rock (R3), strong rock (R4), very strong rock (R5) and medium strong (R3) to strong rock (R4). The results showed a mean of quantification of rock material strength based on the Schmidt Hammer rebound test in Antarctic Peninsula.
Fulltext Effectiveness of Propamidine Isethionate and Ciprofloxacin Towards Clinical Isolates of Acanthamoeba spp. in Malaysia

SHAHIRAH, S., MOHAMED KAMEL, A. G., MAZLAN, M., NUR HAZIQAH, O., NUR EMILIA, O., NUR ATHIKAH, J., et al.

Buletin Sains Kesihatan, 2021;5(1):1-6.
MyJurnal

Acanthamoeba is a free-living amoeba and opportunistic protozoa that causes infection to humans. One of its primary infections is Acanthamoeba keratitis that occurs mostly amongst contact lens users. There are some difficulties in providing effective treatment to the patients as the cysts of Acanthamoeba spp. are very resistant towards most of the antimicrobial agents. Thus, study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents comprising 0.1% propamidine isethionate (Brolene®) and 0.3% ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan®) towards two clinical isolates of Acanthamoeba spp. (HUKM 74 and HS 72). Besides that, the minimum cysticidal concentration (MCC) of the tested antimicrobial agents were also determined. Propamidine isethionate and ciprofloxacin showed cysticidal activities at therapeutic dosage against both Acanthamoeba spp. isolates. The minimum cysticidal concentration for propamidine isethionate was between 62.5-125 µg/ml while for ciprofloxacin was 375 µg/ml. Both the clinical isolates of Acanthamoeba belonged to group II (Polyphagids).
Fulltext Novel usage of dexmedetomidine in a paediatric patient with giant tongue haemangioma

Mohd Zulfakar Mazlan, Shamsul Kamalrujan Hassan, Laila Abd Mukmin, Mohd Hasyizan Hassan, Huda Zainal Abiddin, Irfan Mohamad, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2016;12(2):46-48.
MyJurnal

Giant haemangioma of the tongue is a disease which can
obstruct the oropharyngeal airway and is presented with
obstructive symptoms. Due to its vascularity, inserting
laryngoscope for intubation can cause high risks, such as
inducing bleeding. Hypoxia and excessive bleeding must be
anticipated while securing the airway. We present a case of
novel usage of dexmedetomidine as a conscious sedation agent
for awake fibre optic intubation in a 9-year-old child with
obstructive symptoms secondary to a huge tongue
haemangioma, who was presented for interventional
sclerotherapy of the lesion.
Fulltext An investigation of a dental laboratory worker with chronic low back ache

Lim, Jac Fang, Richard Avoi, Noraziah Bakri, Leonard Masudal, Iskandar Nonche, Adrian Joseph, et al.

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2017;14(2):39-41.
MyJurnal

The low back is usually associated with the lumbar spine which supports the entire weight of the upper body and significantly, is vital to the body mobility. Injury to the surrounding soft tissues can cause mild to debilitating symptoms due to muscle strain and ligament sprain. The causes of injury to the lower back are probably due to sudden twisting movement, poor posture position at work and manual handling of heavy objects or with twisting or bending movements while lifting. An Ergonomic Risk Assessment was carried out on a dental laboratory worker who complained of unresolved low back ache after a year on treatment and follow up at the outpatient department of a health clinic. From the various investigative methods used, it was found that the worker in question was placed in a situation that will over time encourage her to develop musculoskeletal disease. Our recommendations for change include immediate awareness and training in ergonomic principles of work and to report all cases so that appropriate action can be taken, reassess the workstation and environment of work, job enrichment, and creating a conducive environment for work. Once the changes have been implemented, a review will be necessary in three months time.
Fulltext A comparison between measured Maxillopharyngeal angle on lateral cervical radiograph with modified Mallampati classification in predicting difficult Larnygoscopy: a blinded interventional study

Mohamad Hasyizan Hassan, Eng, Ming Fung, Rhendra Hardy Mohd Zaini, Shamsul Kamalrujan Hassan, Seevaunnamtum, Praveena, Mohd Zulfakar Mazlan, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2018;14(2):51-56.
MyJurnal

Background: Existing techniques of predicting difficult laryngoscopy are inadequate requiring evaluation of Maxillopharyngeal Angle (MP-A) on lateral cervical radiograph described. Objectives: This study aimed to compare MP-A test with Modified Mallapati Test (MMT) in predicting their diagnostic values and Area Under Curve of Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUCROCC) of both test. Methods: This is a double blinded interventional study of 93 patients. Each patient’s MMT score was assessed during preoperative assessment and subsequent MP-A test done by obtaining lateral cervical radiograph with the head in neutral position. Laryngeal view was assessed using Cormack-Lehane grade after induction of anesthesia, was used as reference standard to determine the diagnostic values of MMT and MP-A respectively. Results: The MP-A compared to MMT in predicting difficult larngoscopy had higher sensitivity (77.78 vs 44.44) specificity (88.10 vs 67.86) and accuracy (87.10 vs 65.59) with higher Odd Ratio(26.12 vs 1.68). The AUCROCC was significantly higher in MP-A test 0.83(95%CI: 0.67, 0.99) (P = 0.001) vs MMT 0.56(95%CI: 0.36, 0.76) (P = 0.546) with LR+ of 6.53 vs 1.38. Conclusion: The Maxillopharyngeal Angle test was superior in predicting difficult laryngoscopy as compared to Modified Mallampati Test.
Fulltext Quality of work life among Malaysian OSH personnel and general workers from different industries in Malaysia

Safiah Rohaizah Mazlan, Shamsul Bahri Md Tamrin, Guan, Ng Yee, Vivien How, Rozanah Ab Rahman, Johari Basri, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2018;14(101):40-46.
MyJurnal

Background: Quality of Work Life (QWL) is a subset of the quality of life which expresses the interactions between workers and their total working environment with individual or human dimension. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of QWL among Malaysian workers. Methods: 2740 respondents (1921 males and 819 females) were randomly selected from 11 different industries from all states of Malaysia. Respondents were aged between 18 to more than 55 years and were a local OSH Personnel and local general workers. Face to face interviews were conducted in all the selected industries using a structured questionnaire form adapted from Malaysian OSH Profile 2016. Respondents have completed the questionnaire under instructions and supervision of the research team. Results: Majority of the respondents were male (70.1%) and from manufacturing industries (76.3%). 50% of the respondents identified a high level of QWL in each component like not having a stress with the work load (85.5%), good work environment (78.4%), family life (83.1% and 83.6%), enough income and distribution (58.9%), good communication and harmonies relationship between colleagues and boss (93.4% and 88.7%), good facilities (88.6%), welfare at work (71.3%) and productive working condition (80.8%). There is a significant difference between QWL and type of industries [F(10)=12.897, p=0.001] where agriculture industry had the highest QWL. There is significant difference between QWL and gender (p=0.009) where male reported higher QWL compared to female. Conclusion: These findings could be used by the organizations in order to enhance its performance, productivity, employees’ commitment and satisfaction.
A systematic approach of rock slope stability assessment: a case study at Gunung Kandu, Gopeng, Perak, Malaysia

Ainul Mardhiyah Mohd Razib, Goh TL, Nur Amanina Mazlan, Muhammad Fahmi Abdul Ghani, Tuan Rusli Tuan Mohamed, Abdul Ghani Rafek, et al.

Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:1413-1421.

The stability of the limestone cliff at Gunung Kandu, Gopeng, Perak, Malaysia was assessed based on the Slope Mass
Rating (SMR) system on 53 cross sections of the Gunung Kandu hill slopes. The slopes of Gunung Kandu were identified
as class I (very good) to IV (poor). The kinematic analysis showed that 12 out of 53 hill slopes of Gunung Kandu were
identified as having potential wedge, planar and toppling failures. The assessment showed that the stability of the western
flanks can be classified as stable to unstable with the probability of failure from 0.2 to 0.6. The stability of the eastern and
southern flanks range from very stable to partially stable with the probability of failure from 0.0 to 0.4. While the stability
of northern flanks are from very stable to stable with the probability of failure of 0.0 - 0.2. This systematic approach
offers a practical method especially for large area of rock slope stability assessment and the results from probability of
failure values will help engineers to design adequate mitigation measures.
Stability assessment of limestone cave: Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia

Wong JM, Nur Amanina Mazlan, Ainul Mardhiyah Mohd Razib, Azimah Hussin, Abdul Ghani Rafek, Ailie Sofyiana Serasa, et al.

Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:59-66.

The limestone hill of Batu Caves is slowly being turned into a recreation park for slope climbing, base jumping and cave exploring. Quantitative assessment on the stability of the cave is essential to ensure the safety of tourists and visitors. The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the stability of Gua Damai, Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia by using the Q system for rock mass classification, together with other factors such as cave width and thickness of the cave roof. The stability of the limestone cave wall was evaluated using Slope Mass Rating (SMR). A discontinuity survey conducted along the slopes beneath the opening of the cave showed that the rock mass comprised of four major joint sets labeled as J1, J2, J3, and J4 with the dip directions and angles of 110˚/73˚, 325˚/87˚, 243˚/39˚ and 054˚/30˚, respectively. The result of kinematic analysis showed that the dip direction/dip angle of a potential wedge failure was 051˚/59˚. By referring to the ratio of cave roof thickness with cave width, the results showed that the cave is stable. Based on the relationship between Q system and the cave width, the stabilities of Section 4 of Gua Damai is stable while Section 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 require supports. Based on SMR, the cave walls stability at Portion c, d, and f were not stable while Portion a, b, e and g were stable. Overall, the most stable part of the cave is Section 4 followed by Sections 5 and 2. Sections 1, 3 and 8 are moderately stable while Sections 6 and 7 have poor stability.
Complete mitochondrial genome of the mudskipper Boleophthalmus boddarti (Perciformes, Gobiidae)

Zhang YT, Ghaffar MA, Li Z, Chen W, Chen SX, Hong WS

Mitochondrial DNA, 2016;27(1):62-4.
PMID: 24438254 DOI: 10.3109/19401736.2013.873901

The Boddart's goggle-eyed mudskipper, Boleophthalmus boddarti (Perciformes, Gobiidae) is an amphibious fish, inhabiting brackish waters of estuaries and builds burrows in soft mud along the intertidal zone. In this paper, the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of B. boddarti was firstly determined. The circle genome (16,727 bp) comprises 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes and 1 control region. The overall base composition of B. boddarti is 29.1% for C, 28.9% for A, 25.9% for T, and 16.0% for G, with a slight A + T bias of 54.8%. The termination-associated sequence, conserved sequence block domains, and a 131-bp tandem repeat were found in the control region. It has the typical vertebrate mitochondrial gene arrangement.
Fulltext Geographical pattern and environmental correlates of regional-scale general flowering in Peninsular Malaysia

Numata S, Yasuda M, Suzuki RO, Hosaka T, Noor NS, Fletcher CD, et al.

PLoS One, 2013;8(11):e79095.
PMID: 24260159 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079095

In South-East Asian dipterocarp forests, many trees synchronize their reproduction at the community level, but irregularly, in a phenomenon known as general flowering (GF). Several proximate cues have been proposed as triggers for the synchronization of Southeast Asian GF, but the debate continues, as many studies have not considered geographical variation in climate and flora. We hypothesized that the spatial pattern of GF forests is explained by previously proposed climatic cues if there are common cues for GF among regions. During the study, GF episodes occurred every year, but the spatial occurrence varied considerably from just a few forests to the whole of Peninsular Malaysia. In 2001, 2002 and 2005, minor and major GF occurred widely throughout Peninsular Malaysia (GF2001, GF2002, and GF2005), and the geographical patterns of GF varied between the episodes. In the three regional-scale GF episodes, most major events occurred in regions where prolonged drought (PD) had been recorded prior, and significant associations between GF scores and PD were found in GF2001 and GF2002. However, the frequency of PD was higher than that of GF throughout the peninsula. In contrast, low temperature (LT) was observed during the study period only before GF2002 and GF2005, but there was no clear spatial relationship between GF and LT in the regional-scale episodes. There was also no evidence that last GF condition influenced the magnitude of GF. Thus, our results suggest that PD would be essential to trigger regional-scale GF in the peninsula, but also that PD does not fully explain the spatial and temporal patterns of GF. The coarse relationships between GF and the proposed climatic cues may be due to the geographical variation in proximate cues for GF, and the climatic and floristic geographical variations should be considered to understand the proximate factors of GF.
Structure-property studies of thermoplastic and thermosetting polyurethanes using palm and soya oils-based polyols

Mohammed IA, Al-Mulla EA, Kadar NK, Ibrahim M

J Oleo Sci, 2013;62(12):1059-72.
PMID: 24292358

Palm and soya oils were converted to monoglycerides via transesterification of triglycerides with glycerol by one step process to produce renewable polyols. Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPPUs) were prepared from the reaction of the monoglycerides which act as polyol with 4,4'-methylenediphenyldiisocyanate (MDI) whereas, thermosetting polyurethanes (TSPUs) were prepared from the reaction of glycerol, MDI and monoglycerides in one pot. Characterization of the polyurethanes was carried out by FT-IR, (1)H NMR, and iodine value and sol-gel fraction. The TSPUs showed good thermal properties compared to TPPUs as well as TSPUs exhibits good properties in pencil hardness and adhesion, however poorer in flexural and impact strength compared to TPPUs. The higher percentage of cross linked fraction, the higher degree of cross linking occurred, which is due to the higher number of double bond presents in the TSPUs. These were reflected in iodine value test as the highest iodine value of the soya-based thermosetting polyurethanes confirmed the highest degree of cross linking. Polyurethanes based on soya oil showed better properties compared to palm oil. This study is a breakthrough development of polyurethane resins using palm and soya oils as one of the raw materials.
Tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF) supplementation protects against oxidative DNA damage and improves cognitive functions in Wistar rats

Taridi NM, Yahaya MF, Teoh SL, Latiff AA, Ngah WZ, Das S, et al.

Clin Ter, 2011;162(2):93-8.
PMID: 21533313

Oxidative stress is caused by imbalance between the productions of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defense mechanisms. Palm oil antioxidants such as tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF) is known to have neuroprotective effects on neurones by acting against free radical induced neuronal cell death. This study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of TRF on oxidative DNA damage and cognitive functions in experimental rats.
Fulltext Cost effectiveness analysis of using multiple neuromodalities in treating severe traumatic brain injury in a developing country like Malaysia

Ibrahim MI, Abdullah M, Naing L, Abdullah JM, Idris Z, Aljunid SM

Asian J Surg, 2007 Oct;30(4):261-6.
PMID: 17962129

The aim of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of using baseline neuromonitoring (BNM) compared with multimodality monitoring (M3) for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Prognostic study of using different monitoring modalities in treating severe traumatic brain injury

Idris Z, Ghani RI, Musa KI, Ibrahim MI, Abdullah M, Nyi NN, et al.

Asian J Surg, 2007 Jul;30(3):200-8.
PMID: 17638640

To determine whether or not multimodality monitoring technique would result in a better outcome score than single modality monitoring in severely head injured patients.
Fulltext Risk factors for retinopathy in diabetes mellitus in Kelantan, Malaysia

Shriwas SR, Rahman Isa AB, Reddy SC, Mohammad M, Mohammad WBW, Mazlan M

Med J Malaysia, 1996 Dec;51(4):447-52.
PMID: 10968032

Few attempts have been made to determine the risk factors for diabetic retinopathy which is a major cause of visual impairment and blindness. One hundred and forty patients of diabetes mellitus were studied to determine the prevalence and types of retinopathy, and its relation to various risk factors. Nearly half (48.6%) of the patients suffered from retinopathy. The significant associated risk factors were long duration of diabetes, proteinuria and elevated serum creatinine level. However, there was no significant association between the prevalence of retinopathy and high levels of serum cholesterol, C-peptide levels, associated hypertension, and glycaemic control of diabetes mellitus. An effective screening programme for detection of retinopathy in the patients of diabetes as a regular practice is encouraged.
Study site: Diabetic clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan, Malaysia
Improving the efficiency of post-digestion method in extracting microplastics from gastrointestinal tract and gills of fish

Jaafar N, Musa SM, Azfaralariff A, Mohamed M, Yusoff AH, Lazim AM

Chemosphere, 2020 Dec;260:127649.
PMID: 32688323 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127649

Post-digestion treatment is an important step during sample preparation to facilitate the removal of undigested materials for better detection of ingested microplastics. Sieving, density separation with zinc chloride solution (ZnCl2), and oil extraction protocol (OEP) have been introduced in separating microplastics from sediments. The clean-up methods are rarely highlighted in previous studies, especially in the separation of microplastics from marine biota. Thus, this study proposed and compared the suitability of three techniques, which can reduce the number of undigested particles from the digestate of GIT and gills. Our result has shown excellent removal of non-plastics materials and reduces the coloration of filter paper in all treated samples. Both sieving and density separation achieved optimum post-digestion efficiencies of >95% for both GIT and gill samples, which former showed no effect on polymer integrity. Additionally, high recovery rate was obtained for the larger size microplastics (>500 μm) with approximately 97.7% (GIT) and 95.7% (gill), respectively. Exposure to the ZnCl2 solution led to a significant loss of smaller size PET and changed the absorption spectrums of all tested polymers. Particle morphology determined by SEM revealed such exposure eroded the surface of PET fragments and elemental analysis has shown detectable peaks of zinc and chlorine appeared. Low microplastics recoveries were achieved through OPE and residue of oil was observed from the infrared spectrum of all tested polymer. The findings demonstrate sieving with size fractioning can provide exceptional removal of non-plastics materials from the digestate of GIT and gill samples.
Occurrence, distribution and characteristics of microplastics in gastrointestinal tract and gills of commercial marine fish from Malaysia

Jaafar N, Azfaralariff A, Musa SM, Mohamed M, Yusoff AH, Lazim AM

Sci Total Environ, 2021 Aug 05;799:149457.
PMID: 34375867 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149457

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles with size below 5 mm, prevalence in marine environments and the occurrence have been reported in commercial marine fish worldwide. Microplastics' abilities to absorb various marine contaminants raised considerable concern on their role as a vector to spread harmful pollutants to the alienated environment. This study focussed on the occurrence of microplastics in gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and gills of 158 fishes across 16 species from two locations in Malaysia coastal waters. Microplastics were detected approximately 86% in the GIT and 92% in the gills of examined fish. High incident of microplastics was detected in fishes from the area that is close to an urban area with average microplastics incident reaching up to 9.88 plastics items/individuals. Meanwhile, only 5.17 microplastics per individual were recorded in fishes from a less urbanised area. Isolated microplastics comprised 80.2% of fibres, 17.7% of fragments and the remaining was derived from filaments (3.1%). Infrared and Raman spectroscopy analysis of selected microplastics revealed the chemical composition of microplastics which comprised of polyethene (PE), polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalates (PET). FESEM images indicate, different surface characteristics of microplastics as a result of environmental exposure. Further, elemental analysis using EDX for green PE fragments showed the uneven distribution of chromium (Cr) and iron (Fe) on the surface, suggesting the adherence of heavy metals on the surface of microplastics. Overall findings indicate the widespread distribution of microplastics in commercial marine fishes from Malaysia waters and could potentially lead to human exposure through fish consumption.

Filters

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links