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Fulltext Public perception on human exposure risk: A case study on endocrine disrupting compounds in the environment

Wee SY, Aris AZ, Yusoff FM, Praveena SM

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 2024 Jan 15;270:115830.
PMID: 38141339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115830

Humans are exposed to environmental risks owing to the broad usage of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). However, the subjective evaluation of risk levels and characteristics, as well as the variation in risk processing, have not been thoroughly examined. The objective was to understand the public's perception of the risk associated with human exposure to environmental EDCs and identify any variations in risk perception. In this pioneering study conducted within the distinctive social and cultural context of Malaysia, a developing nation, a quantitative analysis approach was employed to assess the subjective evaluation of risk levels and characteristics among the public while developing a risk perception model. Data gathered from surveys and questionnaires were analyzed to gather information on the public's perception of environmental and health issues pertaining to pesticides, hormones, plastics, medicines, and cosmetics. The analysis revealed that the majority of the public assessed the level of human exposure to environmental risks based on experiential processing, which was influenced by cognitive and affective variables. Interestingly, a higher proportion of individuals in the community had a low risk perception of environmental EDCs, surpassing the overall risk perception by 19.3%. Furthermore, the public showed significant awareness of environmental and health issues related to pesticides, hormones, and plastics but had a lesser inclination to acknowledge the vulnerability of humans to risks associated with medicines and cosmetics. These findings suggest that the public is likely to be exposed to environmental EDCs based on their current perceived risks, and that sociopsychological factors play a significant role in shaping perceptions and judgments. This understanding can inform the development of targeted risk management strategies and interventions to mitigate the potential harm caused by environmental EDCs.
Fulltext Drinking water studies: a review on heavy metal, application of biomarker and health risk assessment (a special focus in Malaysia)

Ab Razak NH, Praveena SM, Aris AZ, Hashim Z

J Epidemiol Glob Health, 2015 Dec;5(4):297-310.
PMID: 25944153 DOI: 10.1016/j.jegh.2015.04.003

Malaysia has abundant sources of drinking water from river and groundwater. However, rapid developments have deteriorated quality of drinking water sources in Malaysia. Heavy metal studies in terms of drinking water, applications of health risk assessment and bio-monitoring in Malaysia were reviewed from 2003 to 2013. Studies on heavy metal in drinking water showed the levels are under the permissible limits as suggested by World Health Organization and Malaysian Ministry of Health. Future studies on the applications of health risk assessment are crucial in order to understand the risk of heavy metal exposure through drinking water to Malaysian population. Among the biomarkers that have been reviewed, toenail is the most useful tool to evaluate body burden of heavy metal. Toenails are easy to collect, store, transport and analysed. This review will give a clear guidance for future studies of Malaysian drinking water. In this way, it will help risk managers to minimize the exposure at optimum level as well as the government to formulate policies in safe guarding the population.
Assessment of swimming associated health effects in marine bathing beach: an example from Morib beach (Malaysia)

Praveena SM, Pauzi NM, Hamdan M, Sham SM

Mar Pollut Bull, 2015 Mar 15;92(1-2):222-6.
PMID: 25597267 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.01.003

A survey among beachgoers was conducted to determine the swimming associated health effects experienced and its relationship with beach water exposure behaviour in Morib beach. For beach water exposure behaviour, the highest frequency of visit among the respondents was once a year (41.9%). For ways of water exposure, whole body exposure including head was the highest (38.5%). For duration of water exposure, 30.8% respondents prefer to be in water for about 30 min with low possibilities of accidental ingestion of beach water. A total of 30.8% of beachgoers in Morib beach were reported of having dermal symptoms. Bivariate analysis showed only water activity, water contact and accidental ingestion of beach water showed significant association with swimming associated health effects experienced by swimmers. This study output showed that epidemiological study can be used to identify swimming associated health effects in beach water exposed to faecal contamination.
Indicators of microbial beach water quality: preliminary findings from Teluk Kemang beach, Port Dickson (Malaysia)

Praveena SM, Chen KS, Ismail SN

Mar Pollut Bull, 2013 Nov 15;76(1-2):417-9.
PMID: 24050128 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.08.028

This study aims to determine the concentrations of total coliforms and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in beach water, Teluk Kemang beach. This study was also aimed to determine relationship between total coliforms, E. coli and physicochemical parameters. As perceived health symptoms among beach visitors are rarely incorporated in beach water studies, this element was also assessed in this study. A total of eight water sampling points were selected randomly along Teluk Kemang beach. Total coliforms concentrations were found between 20 and 1940 cfu/100ml. E. coli concentrations were between 0 and 90 cfu/100ml. Significant correlations were found between total coliforms and E. coli with pH, temperature and oxidation reduction potential. Skin and eyes symptoms were the highest reported though in small numbers. Microbiological water quality in Teluk Kemang public beach was generally safe for recreational activities except sampling location near with sewage outfall.
Fecal indicator bacteria in tropical beach sand: Baseline findings from Port Dickson coastline, Strait of Malacca (Malaysia)

Praveena SM, Shamira SS, Ismail SNS, Aris AZ

Mar Pollut Bull, 2016 Sep 15;110(1):609-612.
PMID: 27289286 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.06.024

This pilot study aims to assess Escherichia coli (E. coli) contamination and its perceived health risks among beachgoers in ten tropical beach sands along Port Dickson coastline (Malaysia). This study also aims to determine the relationship between perceived health symptoms and tropical beach sand exposure behavior. The concentration of E. coli in tropical beach sand ranged from 60cfu/100g to 4113cfu/100g. E. coli contamination was the highest at Tanjung Gemuk (4113±30cfu/100g) and the lowest at Tanjung Tuan (60±15cfu/100g); the high level of contamination could be due to the location of the former at the sewage outlet of nearby hotels. Skin symptoms were the most predominant among the health symptoms indicated by beachgoers. Exposure duration was significantly correlated with the perceived health symptoms among beachgoers in the beaches studied.
Fulltext Preliminary study on the skin lightening practice and health symptoms among female students in Malaysia

Rusmadi SZ, Syed Ismail SN, Praveena SM

J Environ Public Health, 2015;2015:591790.
PMID: 26693230 DOI: 10.1155/2015/591790

Many cases of dermatologic complication were reported with the use of skin lightening products. This study assessed the skin lightening practice and health symptoms among female students. Self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 104 female students (56 undergraduates and 48 postgraduates) aged 24 ± 2 years in Universiti Putra Malaysia. A total of 60.6% (N = 63) of the female students used skin lightening products (61.9% of undergraduates and 38.1% of postgraduates). Reasonable price (N = 35, 55.6%) and ingredients (N = 29, 46%) were considered the most important factors in the product selection. Most respondents purchased the product from drugstores (N = 39, 61.9%). Twenty-two respondents (34.9%) in this study experienced skin problem from the products they used. Skin peeling (N = 13, 12.5%) and acne (N = 9, 8.7%) were the most frequent symptoms experienced. Most of the respondents have the perception that lighter skin provides high self-esteem (N = 56, 53.8%) and looks beautiful and healthier (N = 54, 51.9%). The use of skin lightening products is common among female students in this study and some of these products can cause skin problems such as skin peeling, acne, and itching.
Microplastics in Malaysian bottled water brands: Occurrence and potential human exposure

Praveena SM, Shamsul Ariffin NI, Nafisyah AL

Environ Pollut, 2022 Dec 15;315:120494.
PMID: 36279991 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120494

The World Health Organization noted that there is a growing need to determine the occurrence of microplastics in bottled water and its potential risks to human health. Thus, present study analyzes microplastics in eight major bottled water brands available in Malaysia and estimates the potential human exposure. Membrane filtration method followed by visual and polymer identifications were utilized to identify microplastics particles in these eight major bottled water brands. Microplastic concentrations in bottled water samples ranged from 8 to 22 particles/L, with an average of 11.7 ± 4.6 particles/L. Particle sizes ranging between 100 and 300 μm were dominant and accounted for approximately 31% in these bottled water brands. Fragments were the most identified microplastics in bottled water with transparent color being the most prevalent. The polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) polymer types found in this study are consistent with prior results in that microplastics in bottled water are mainly derived from packaging materials and bottle caps. The Estimated Dietary Intake (EDI) for adults was between 0.068 and 0.19 particle/kg/day, while the EDI for children was between 0.089 and 0.25 particle/kg/day. Although consumption of bottled water was estimated to have low EDI values, the potential risks to human health should be heeded due to the presence of numerous plastic additives and residual monomers in these particles, which have the potential to increase inflammatory reactions and cytotoxicity in human body. Future studies should concentrate on understanding microplastics particles less than 1.5 μm and other associated factors (bottled material quality, consumption behaviour, bottled water storage conditions, and the frequency of bottle opening and closing) to further understand the effects of these microplastics particles on human toxicological aspects.
Fulltext Unveiling barriers to reproductive health awareness among rural adolescents: a systematic review

Wahyuningsih S, Widati S, Praveena SM, Azkiya MW

Front Reprod Health, 2024;6:1444111.
PMID: 39628795 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2024.1444111

INTRODUCTION: Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) among adolescents is a critical aspect of global health. Rural adolescents often encounter significant barriers to reproductive health awareness, elevating their risks for unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other reproductive health issues. This systematic review seeks to identify and analyze the barriers hindering reproductive health awareness among rural adolescents.
METHODS: This review followed PRISMA guidelines. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Taylor & Francis, focusing on studies published from 2019 to 2024. Keywords included "Adolescent," "Rural," "Reproductive Health," "Awareness," and "Barriers." Studies were screened based on eligibility criteria, and data were extracted and analyzed to identify key barriers at the individual, interpersonal, social/community, and health services levels.
RESULTS: Out of 669 records, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. Identified barriers at the individual level included lack of knowledge, myths, misconceptions, and feelings of shame and fear. Interpersonal barriers were related to poor communication between parents and adolescents and misinformation from peers. Social and community barriers encompassed rigid social norms, stigma, and discrimination. Health services barriers included limited access and negative experiences with reproductive health services.
DISCUSSION: Rural adolescents face complex barriers to reproductive health awareness driven by factors at the individual, interpersonal, social, and health services levels. Comprehensive interventions, such as educational campaigns, training for healthcare providers, and improved access via mobile or online platforms, are essential to enhance reproductive health awareness and outcomes.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/, PROSPERO (CRD42024554439).
Microplastics pollution in agricultural farms soils: preliminary findings from tropical environment (Klang Valley, Malaysia)

Praveena SM, Hisham MAFI, Nafisyah AL

Environ Monit Assess, 2023 May 09;195(6):650.
PMID: 37160548 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11250-5

The aim of this research is to investigate the occurrence, characteristics, and potential sources of microplastic pollution at four agricultural farms in Malaysia's tropical region of Klang Valley. The mean number of microplastic particles found in the agricultural soils were 2.1 ± 0.44 to 3.4 ± 1.2 particles/kg. Farms B and D had the lowest and highest total microplastic particle counts, 1.5 and 6.0 particles/kg, respectively, which was in line with the intensity of plastic consumption at these farms. Microplastics particle sizes ranged from 16.7 to 1.246 µm, attributed to their extensive breakdown processes. The microplastic particle shapes (film, fiber, and fragment) and colors (black, white, red, and blue) from the soil samples reflected the type of plastic products used and unmanaged plastic waste at these farms. Plastic nets, mulching films, and unmanaged plastics waste constituted the major microplastics sources at these farms. Our findings confirm microplastic pollution in tropical agricultural soils as well as the need to assess the negative effects of long-term plastic use on agricultural soils.
Drinking water quality status in Malaysia: a scoping review of occurrence, human health exposure, and potential needs

Praveena SM, Aris AZ, Hashim Z, Hashim JH

J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol, 2024 Jan;34(1):161-174.
PMID: 37563210 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00585-3

BACKGROUND: Like other countries, surface water degradation in Malaysia is linked with common global issues. Although different aspects of drinking water suitability have been examined, the overall understanding of drinking water quality in Malaysia is poor.
OBJECTIVE: Hence, the present review aims to provide an understanding of drinking water (tap water, groundwater, gravity feed system) quality and its potential implications on policy, human health, and drinking water management law and identification of potential direction of future drinking water research and management needs in Malaysia.
METHODS: This study utilized a scoping review method. PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews was used for search strategy. Relevant studies were screened using the selected keywords and databases.
RESULTS: A total of 26 drinking water quality studies involving tap water, groundwater, and gravity feed systems have been selected for review. These studies found that the majority of Malaysian Drinking Water and WHO Drinking Water standards have been met. High levels of Cu, Cd, Fe and Pb were attributable to galvanized plumbing and pipe material corrosion. Variation of fluoride in tap water depends on dosage planning and operational processes of the public water supply. Pollutants (nitrate and ammonia) in groundwater and gravity feed system water have been linked to agricultural practices in rural areas. Microbiological quality in tap water is associated with growing biofilms inside the pipelines while in groundwater is caused by shallow surface events. However, only eight studies have reported about the human risks of chemical pollutants in tap water.
IMPACT STATEMENT: The review discusses the state of drinking water quality in Malaysia and its impact on public health. It suggests that policymakers can use this information to improve the quality of drinking water and enforce restrictions, while also raising public awareness about the importance of safe drinking water. The study can guide future research and initiatives in Malaysia, ultimately contributing to efforts to ensure access to clean and dependable drinking water.
Occurrence and characteristics of microplastics pollution in tropical agricultural soils in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Shanmugam SD, Praveena SM, Wahid SA, Liew JYC

Environ Monit Assess, 2024 Jan 12;196(2):144.
PMID: 38214797 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12330-w

Presently, microplastic pollution has emerged as a growing environmental risk around the world. Nevertheless, knowledge of the occurrence and characteristics of microplastics in tropical agricultural soil is limited. This study investigated the pollution of surface soil microplastics in two agricultural farms located at Klang Valley, Malaysia. An extraction method based on density separation by using saturated extraction solution (sodium sulfate, ρ = 2 g cm-3 and sucrose, ρ = 1.59 g cm-3 with a ratio 1:1, v/v) was carried out. The study revealed the mean particle size of soil microplastics with 3260.76 ± 880.38 μm in farm A and 2822.31 ± 408.48 μm in farm B. The dominant types of soil microplastics were fragments and films with major colors of white (59%) and transparent (28%) in farm A, while black (52%) and white (37.6%) in farm B. Representatives of soil microplastics detected polymers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polycarbonate (PC), and polystyrene (PS). The sources of plastic products were black and white plastic pipes, black plastic films for vegetation, fertilizer bottles, plastic water containers and polystyrene storage boxes, and the breakdown processes, contributed to the microplastic pollution in these farms. The outcomes of this study will establish a better understanding of microplastic pollution in tropical agricultural soil in the Southeast Asian region. The findings would be beneficial as supportive reference for the endeavor to reduce microplastic pollution in agricultural soil.
Mathematical modeling for estrogenic activity prediction of 17β-estradiol and 17α-ethynylestradiol mixtures in wastewater treatment plants effluent

Ting YF, Praveena SM, Aris AZ, Ismail SNS, Rasdi I

Ecotoxicology, 2017 Dec;26(10):1327-1335.
PMID: 28975452 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-017-1857-5

Steroid estrogens such as 17β-Estradiol (E2) and 17α-Ethynylestradiol (EE2) are highly potent estrogens that widely detected in environmental samples. Mathematical modelling such as concentration addition (CA) and estradiol equivalent concentration (EEQ) models are usually associated with measuring techniques to assess risk, predict the mixture response and evaluate the estrogenic activity of mixture. Wastewater has played a crucial role because wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is the major sources of estrogenic activity in aquatic environment. The aims of this is to determine E2 and EE2 concentrations in six WWTPs effluent, to predict the estrogenic activity of the WWTPs effluent using CA and EEQ models where lastly the effectiveness of two models is evaluated. Results showed that all the six WWTPs effluent had relative high E2 concentration (35.1-85.2 ng/L) compared to EE2 (0.02-1.0 ng/L). The estrogenic activity predicted by CA model was similar among the six WWTPs (105.4 ng/L), due to the similarity of individual dose potency ratio calculated by respective WWTPs. The predicted total EEQ was ranged from 35.1 EEQ-ng/L to 85.3 EEQ-ng/L, explained by high E2 concentration in WWTPs effluent and E2 EEF value that standardized to 1.0 μg/L. The CA model is more effective than EEQ model in estrogenic activity prediction because EEQ model used less data and causes disassociation from the predicted behavior. Although both models predicted relative high estrogenic activity in WWTPs effluent, dilution effects in receiving river may lower the estrogenic response to aquatic inhabitants.
Recent updates on phthalate exposure and human health: a special focus on liver toxicity and stem cell regeneration

Praveena SM, Teh SW, Rajendran RK, Kannan N, Lin CC, Abdullah R, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2018 Apr;25(12):11333-11342.
PMID: 29546515 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-1652-8

Phthalates have been blended in various compositions as plasticizers worldwide for a variety of purposes. Consequently, humans are exposed to a wide spectrum of phthalates that needs to be researched and understood correctly. The goal of this review is to focus on phthalate's internal exposure pathways and possible role of human digestion on liver toxicity. In addition, special focus was made on stem cell therapy in reverting liver toxicity. The known entry of higher molecular weight phthalates is through ingestion while inhalation and dermal pathways are for lower molecular weight phthalates. In human body, certain phthalates are digested through phase 1 (hydrolysis, oxidation) and phase 2 (conjugation) metabolic processes. The phthalates that are made bioavailable through digestion enter the blood stream and reach the liver for further detoxification, and these are excreted via urine and/or feces. Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a compound well studied involving human metabolism. Liver plays a pivotal role in humans for detoxification of pollutants. Thus, continuous exposure to phthalates in humans may lead to inhibition of liver detoxifying enzymes and may result in liver dysfunction. The potential of stem cell therapy addressed herewith will revert liver dysfunction and lead to restoration of liver function properly.
Quantification of selected steroid hormones (17β-Estradiol and 17α-Ethynylestradiol) in wastewater treatment plants in Klang Valley (Malaysia)

Yien Fang T, Praveena SM, Aris AZ, Syed Ismail SN, Rasdi I

Chemosphere, 2019 Jan;215:153-162.
PMID: 30316157 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.10.032

Steroid estrogens, such as 17β-estradiol (E2) and 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) are potent and were categorized as "Watch List" in Directive 2013/39/EU because of their potential risks to aquatic environment. Commercialized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits have been used to quantify steroid estrogens in wastewater samples due to their simplicity, rapid, cost-effectiveness, and validated assays. Hence, this study aims to determine the occurrence and removal of steroid hormones in Malaysian wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) by ELISA, to identify the association of removal efficiency (E2 and EE2) with respect to WWTPs operating conditions, and to assess the potential risks of steroid estrogens to aquatic environment and human. Results showed E2 concentration ranged from 88.2 ± 7.0 ng/L to 93.9 ± 6.9 ng/L in influent and 35.1 ± 17.3 ng/L to 85.2 ± 7.6 ng/L in effluent, with removal of 6.4%-63.0%. The EE2 concentration ranged from 0.2 ± 0.2 ng/L to 4.9 ± 6.3 ng/L in influent and 0.02 ± 0.03 ng/L to 1.0 ± 0.8 ng/L in effluent, with removal of 28.3-99.3%. There is a correlation between EE2 removal with total suspended solid (TSS) and oxidation reduction potential (ORP), and was statistically significant. Despite the calculated estrogenic activity for E2 and EE2 was relatively high, dilution effects could lower estrogenic response to aquatic environment. Besides, these six selected WWTPs have cumulative RQ values below the allowable limit, except WWTP 1. Relatively high precipitation (129-218 mm) could further dilute estrogens concentration in the receiving river. These outputs can be used as quantitative information for evaluating the occurrence and removal of steroid estrogens in Malaysian WWTPs.
Occurrence and potential human health risk of pharmaceutical residues in drinking water from Putrajaya (Malaysia)

Praveena SM, Mohd Rashid MZ, Mohd Nasir FA, Sze Yee W, Aris AZ

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 2019 Sep 30;180:549-556.
PMID: 31128553 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.05.051

Occurrence of pharmaceutical residues in drinking water has been widely reported in countries that have registered steady economic growth. This can exert concerns among the general consumers, prompting them to explore the potential human health risks associated with continuous exposure to pharmaceuticals. However, such an occurrence is rarely reported in developing or under-developed countries. To give more contexts, this study looked at the presence of nine pharmaceutical residues in drinking water (amoxicillin, caffeine, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, dexamethasone, diclofenac, nitrofurazone, sulfamethoxazole, and triclosan) at Putrajaya residential area in Malaysia. Additionally, the potential health risks associated with contaminated drinking water were investigated. This study has found the presence of pharmaceutical residue concentrations up to 0.38 ng/L, with the highest concentration of caffeine (0.38 ng/L) and the lowest concentration of diclofenac (0.14 ng/L). In comparison, all the nine pharmaceutical residues were substantially lower than previously reported studies. In general, Hazard Quotient (HQ) values indicated that low potential health hazards were present for all age groups. Nevertheless, quantitative occurrences of pharmaceutical residues in drinking water will help guide future toxicological studies to examine other chronic effects, while canvassing for proper framework to look into the water risk management and regulation in Malaysia.
Active pharmaceutical ingredients in Malaysian drinking water: consumption, exposure, and human health risk

Wee SY, Haron DEM, Aris AZ, Yusoff FM, Praveena SM

Environ Geochem Health, 2020 Oct;42(10):3247-3261.
PMID: 32328897 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-020-00565-8

Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are typical endocrine disruptors found in common pharmaceuticals and personal care products, which are frequently detected in aquatic environments, especially surface water treated for drinking. However, current treatment technologies are inefficient for removing emerging endocrine disruptors, leading to the potential contamination of tap water. This study employed an optimized analytical method comprising solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-LC-MS/MS) to detect APIs in tap water in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Several therapeutic classes of pharmaceuticals and personal care products, including anti-inflammatory drugs (dexamethasone and diclofenac), antibiotics (sulfamethoxazole and triclosan), antiepileptics (primidone), antibacterial agents (ciprofloxacin), beta-blockers (propranolol), psychoactive stimulants (caffeine), and antiparasitic drugs (diazinon), were detected in the range of
Fulltext The Inhibitory Effects of Heterotrigona Itama Honey Marinades on the Formation of Carcinogenic Heterocyclic Amines in Grilled Beef Satay

Shamsudin S, Selamat J, Sanny M, Jambari NN, Sukor R, Praveena SM, et al.

Molecules, 2020 Aug 26;25(17).
PMID: 32858787 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25173874

Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are carcinogenic food toxicants formed in cooked meats, which may increase the risk of cancer development in humans. Therefore, in this study, the effect of stingless bee honey from different botanical origins on the formation of HCAs in grilled beef satay was investigated. HCAs concentration in grilled beef satay was determined by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In total, six of the most toxigenic HCAs representing aminoimidazo-azaarenes (AIAs) (MeIQx, 4,8-DiMeIQx, and PhIP) and amino carbolines (norharman, harman, and AαC) groups were identified in all the beef samples investigated. A significant reduction in HCAs was observed in grilled beef marinated in honey as compared to beef samples marinated in table sugar (control), in which the reduction of 95.14%, 88.45%, 85.65%, and 57.22% was observed in gelam, starfruit, acacia, and Apis honey marinades, respectively. According to the partial least squares regression (PLS) model, the inhibition of HCAs in grilled beef was shown to be significantly correlated to the antioxidant activity (IC50) of the honey samples. Therefore, the results of this study revealed that the addition of stingless bee honey could play an important role in reducing HCAs in grilled beef.
Phthalates exposure and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children: a systematic review of epidemiological literature

Praveena SM, Munisvaradass R, Masiran R, Rajendran RK, Lin CC, Kumar S

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2020 Dec;27(36):44757-44770.
PMID: 32895790 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10652-z

Epidemiological studies have proven that children mental health can be affected by environmental pollutants which are believed to be visible in the form of psychological disorder later in their childhood. Moreover, the effects of children mental health are evidently clear in the case of phthalates which have been observed to increase psychological disorder, specifically attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Hence, the present study aims to conduct a systematic review and provide an overview of the existing literature on the association between urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations and ADHD symptoms among children by emphasizing the confounding factors and limitations. Additionally, this review addressed the possible phthalate mechanism insights in human body including its impact on ADHD symptoms. In this case, 16 epidemiological studies (five cross-sectional, nine cohort and two case control studies) that met all the inclusion criteria were selected out of the total of 427 papers screened to show varying quantitative associations between phthalate exposure and ADHD symptoms among children with confounding factors and limitations in the existing studies in regard to the exposure and outcomes. This review also attempted to present possible explanation on phthalate mechanism in children body and its connection on neurodevelopment and ADHD symptom development which remains unclear in most of the studies. Finally, it is highly recommended for further research to carefully design cohort studies from prenatal to later childhood development with a complete sample size in order to understand phthalate impacts on children health.
Analytical techniques for steroid estrogens in water samples - A review

Fang TY, Praveena SM, deBurbure C, Aris AZ, Ismail SN, Rasdi I

Chemosphere, 2016 Dec;165:358-368.
PMID: 27665296 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.09.051

In recent years, environmental concerns over ultra-trace levels of steroid estrogens concentrations in water samples have increased because of their adverse effects on human and animal life. Special attention to the analytical techniques used to quantify steroid estrogens in water samples is therefore increasingly important. The objective of this review was to present an overview of both instrumental and non-instrumental analytical techniques available for the determination of steroid estrogens in water samples, evidencing their respective potential advantages and limitations using the Need, Approach, Benefit, and Competition (NABC) approach. The analytical techniques highlighted in this review were instrumental and non-instrumental analytical techniques namely gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA), radio immuno assay (RIA), yeast estrogen screen (YES) assay, and human breast cancer cell line proliferation (E-screen) assay. The complexity of water samples and their low estrogenic concentrations necessitates the use of highly sensitive instrumental analytical techniques (GC-MS and LC-MS) and non-instrumental analytical techniques (ELISA, RIA, YES assay and E-screen assay) to quantify steroid estrogens. Both instrumental and non-instrumental analytical techniques have their own advantages and limitations. However, the non-instrumental ELISA analytical techniques, thanks to its lower detection limit and simplicity, its rapidity and cost-effectiveness, currently appears to be the most reliable for determining steroid estrogens in water samples.
Occurrence of selected estrogenic compounds and estrogenic activity in surface water and sediment of Langat River (Malaysia)

Praveena SM, Lui TS, Hamin N, Razak SQ, Aris AZ

Environ Monit Assess, 2016 Jul;188(7):442.
PMID: 27353134 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-016-5438-5

The occurrence and estrogenic activities of steroid estrogens, such as the natural estrone (E1), 17β estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3), as well as the synthetic 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2), were investigated in eight sampling points along the Langat River (Malaysia). Surface water samples were collected at 0.5 m and surface sediment 0-5 cm from the river surface. Instrument analysis of steroid estrogens was determined by UPLC-ESI-MS with an ultra-performance liquid chromatograph (Perkin Elmer FX15) coupled to a Q Trap function mass spectrophotometer (model 3200: AB Sciex). Steroid estrogen concentrations were higher in the Langat River sediments than those in its surface water. In surface water, E1 was not detected in any sampling point, E2 was only detected in two midstream sampling points (range 0-0.004 ng/L), E3 in three sampling points (range 0-0.002 ng/L), and EE2 in four sampling points (range 0-0.02 ng/L). E1 and E2 were detected in sediments from all sampling points, E3 in five sampling points, while EE2 only in one midstream sample (3.29E-4 ng/g). Sewage treatment plants, farming waste, and agricultural activities particularly present midstream and downstream were identified as potential sources of estrogens. Estrogenic activity expressed as estradiol equivalents (EEQs) was below 1 ng/L in all samples for both surface water and sediment, indicating therefore a low potential estrogenic risk to the aquatic environment. Although the health risks are still uncertain for drinking water consumers exposed to low levels of steroid estrogen concentrations, Langat River water is unacceptable for direct drinking purposes without treatment. Further studies of endocrine disruptors in Malaysian waters are highly recommended.

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