A simple atomic-absorption spectrophotometry method is described for the determination of silver, bismuth, cadmium, copper, iron, nickel and zinc in lead- and tin-base solders and white-metal bearing alloys, with use of a single sample solution. The sample is dissolved in a mixture of hydrobromic acid and bromine, then fumed with sulphuric acid. The lead sulphate is dissolved in concentrated hydrochloric acid. The method is particularly suitable for the determination of silver and bismuth, which are co-precipitated with lead sulphate. The other elements can also be determined after removal of the lead sulphate by filtration.
Introduction: This study examined the antioxidant activity and phenolic, flavonoid and saponin contents from mul-tiple solvent extracts of Albizia myriophylla (ABZ) bark. Antioxidant activity of the methanol extract and its derived fractions namely hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol and a residual aqueous fraction of the bark of ABZ was assessed. Methods: All the extracts showed a significant presence of phenolic, flavonoids and saponins. In DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhidrazyl) radical scavenging test, ABTS (2-2’-azinobis 3-ethyl-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging test and reducing activity on ferrous iron (FRAP) test, the total antioxidant capacity was found to be varied in different fractions. Results: The IC50 calculated value of the three assays showed that the methanolic extract of ABZ bark had the lowest IC50 value for each assay, compared to the other extracts signifying highest anti-oxidant activity. Methan-olic extract of ABZ was tested in high-fat diet induced mice, which showed reduce adipocyte cellularity and reduces the cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL level while increasing the HDL level. Conclusion: The antioxidant capacity with probable free radical scavenging activity of the methanolic extract of ABZ may be useful for the treatment of chronic inflammatory-related metabolic diseases such as obesity.
Data on the mineral composition and content of one heavy metal measured in three different fruit flours prepared from ripe and unripe fruits (pulp and peel) are presented. The mineral composition (sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn)) and content of one heavy metal (lead (Pb)) of the flours were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The analysis showed that the data can be used for differentiation between different fruits and stages of ripeness, as revealed by discriminant analysis and cluster analysis. The data provided can be used by researchers and scientists in the differentiation of fruits based on major and minor mineral elements.
Slaughtering is the first step in meat processing. It involves killing an animal for the production of meat. Effectiveness of slaughter is determined by the amount of blood removed from the animal. This study aimed to compare the chemical changes and microbiological quality of broiler chicken meat slaughtered by Halal and Non-Halal slaughter methods during refrigerated storage. A total of sixty (60) broiler chickens were slaughtered by: i) Neck cutting (NC) - by severing the jugular veins, carotid arteries, trachea and the oesophagus according to the Islamic ritual method of slaughter and (ii) Neck poking (NP) - by poking the neck of the bird with a sharp object. Residual blood was quantified by measuring the haem iron content in the breast meat samples. Storage stability of chicken meat was evaluated by measuring the extent of lipid oxidation determined by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and by assessing the microbiological quality of the meat. Haem iron content decreased significantly (P0.05) on chicken meat lipid oxidation at 1, 3, and 9 day of storage at 4oC. However, at 5 and 7 day of storage, significant differences (P
INTRODUCTION: Thyroid antibodies are closely related to autoimmune thyroid disorders. To date, there
are no data on the prevalence of these antibodies among the Malaysian population. This study aimed to
determine the prevalence of thyroid antibodies; and the factors associated with thyroid antibodies in the
Malaysian adult population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 5 preassigned regions in Peninsular Malaysia. Participants’ sociodemographic profile and medical history were
recorded. Physical examinations were done looking for abnormalities of the thyroid gland and signs of thyroid
dysfunctions. Fifteen mils of blood were withdrawn and analysed for thyroid function, anti-thyroperoxidase
(anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-TG) antibodies at a central laboratory. RESULTS: Among the total of
2190 respondents, the overall prevalence of positive anti-TPO and anti-TG antibodies were 12.2% and 12.1%,
respectively; mainly found in urban and coastal areas. Only 7% to 9% of those with positive anti-TPO or antiTG antibodies had either hypo- or hyperthyroidism. The predictors for positive anti-TPO antibody were
female [adjusted OR 1.7 (95%CI: 1.2–2.4); p=0.001], Indian [adjusted OR 1.9 (95%CI: 1.1–3.1); p=0.020], and
having a goitre [adjusted OR 1.8 (95%CI: 1.2–2.8), p=0.004]. The predictors of positive anti-TG antibody was
female [adjusted OR 2.3 (95%CI: 1.6–3.3); p
Renal anaemia is a common and important complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The current standard-of-care treatment for renal anaemia in CKD patients involves ensuring adequate iron stores and administration of erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESA). Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) is a key transcription factor primarily involved in the cellular regulation and efficiency of oxygen delivery. Manipulation of the HIF pathway by the use of HIF-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHI) has emerged as a novel approach for renal anaemia management. Despite it being approved for clinical use in various Asia-Pacific countries, its novelty mandates the need for nephrologists and clinicians generally in the region to well understand potential benefits and harms when prescribing this class of drug. The Asian Pacific society of nephrology HIF-PHI Recommendation Committee, formed by a panel of 11 nephrologists from the Asia-Pacific region who have clinical experience or have been investigators in HIF-PHI studies, reviewed and deliberated on the clinical and preclinical data concerning HIF-PHI. This recommendation summarizes the consensus views of the committee regarding the use of HIF-PHI, taking into account both available data and expert opinion in areas where evidence remains scarce.
A widely distributed urban bird, the house crow (Corvus splendens), was used to assess bioavailable heavy metals in urban and rural environments across Pakistan. Bioaccumulation of arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), and copper (Cu) was investigated in wing feathers of 96 crows collected from eight locations and categorized into four groups pertaining to their geographical and environmental similarities. Results revealed that the concentrations of Pb, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Cr were positively correlated and varied significantly among the four groups. Zn, Fe, Cr, and Cu regarded as industrial outputs, were observed in birds both in industrialized cities and in adjoining rural agricultural areas irrigated through the Indus Basin Irrigation System. Birds in both urban regions accrued Pb more than the metal toxicity thresholds for birds. The house crow was ranked in the middle on the metal accumulation levels in feathers between highly accumulating raptor and piscivore and less contaminated insectivore and granivore species in the studied areas,. This study suggests that the house crow is an efficient bioindicator and supports the feasibility of using feathers to discriminate the local pollution differences among terrestrial environments having different levels and kinds of anthropogenic activities.
Introduction: Anaemia is a significant public health problem among adolescents globally but there is limited data in many countries, including Malaysia. This study aims to investigate the 5-years incidence of anemia among Malaysian adolescents by gender, ethnicity, locality of schools, Body Mass Index, stature and diet intake. Methods: A secondary analysis of existing data from MyHeART study was conducted within a closed cohort of 528 adolescents (aged 13 years) attended 15 public secondary schools from Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Perak. The adolescents who were followed up at 15 and 17 years old had completed haemoglobin assessment, anthropometric measurements and -days diet history. The data was cleaned and missingness was handled accordingly with multiple imputation. SPSS Software version 21 was used to analyse the data, with Generalised Estimating Equation (GEE) showing the effect of time on the trajectory of prevalence of anaemia over the 5 years. Results: The prevalence or incidence? of anaemia in 2012, 2014 and 2016 was 7.9% (95%CI: 5.0-12.3), 13.9% (95%CI: 10.0-19.0) and 15.8% (95%CI:11.3-21.7). In females, anaemia increased from 11.1% (95%CI:6.7-18.7) to 15.7% (11.4-21.3) and 23.1%(95%CI: 16.8-31.0); the change was significant from 13 to 15 years old. Similar trend was noticed in those who are stunted, overweight/obese, in both urban/rural schools and didn’t meet their daily recommended nutrient intake for total calorie, protein and iron. Conclusion: Anaemia is increasing in trend among the adolescents over the years and deems attention from the relevant stakeholders to create a robust anemia prevention program.
The widespread use of magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) materials in various applications has yet to be limited due to the fact that there are substantial deficiencies in current experimental and theoretical research on its microstructural durability behavior. In this study, MRE composed of silicon rubber (SR) and 70 wt% of micron-sized carbonyl iron particles (CIP) was prepared and subjected to stress relaxation evaluation by torsional shear load. The microstructure and particle distribution of the obtained MRE was evaluated by a field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The influence of constant low strain at 0.01% is the continuing concern within the linear viscoelastic (LVE) region of MRE. Stress relaxation plays a significant role in the life cycle of MRE and revealed that storage modulus was reduced by 8.7%, normal force has weakened by 27%, and stress performance was reduced by 6.88% along approximately 84,000 s test duration time. This time scale was the longest ever reported being undertaken in the MRE stress relaxation study. Novel micro-mechanisms that responsible for the depleted performance of MRE was obtained by microstructurally observation using FESEM and in-phase mode of atomic force microscope (AFM). Attempts have been made to correlate strain localization produced by stress relaxation, with molecular deformation in MRE amorphous matrix. Exceptional attention was focused on the development of molecular slippage, disentanglement, microplasticity, microphase separation, and shear bands. The relation between these microstructural phenomena and the viscoelastic properties of MRE was diffusely defined and discussed. The presented MRE is homogeneous with uniform distribution of CIP. The most significant recent developments of systematic correlation between the effects of microstructural deformation and durability performance of MRE under stress relaxation has been observed and evaluated.
Food consumption of 50 female students in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia was recorded for 7 days. Foods and drinks most frequently consumed were selected for analysis of iron, zinc, copper and lead content. The mean daily intakes of energy, protein, carbohydrate and fat among the students are 6.5±1.4 MJ (1550±335 kcal), 59.8±18.5g. 227. 1±54.6 g and 46.0±11.5 g respectively. This diet contributed 19.6±6.4 mg Fe, 7.0±2.0 mg Zn and 1.6±0.6 mg Cu per day which were lower than the Malaysian RDA for Fe and US RDA for Zn, while Cu is within the recommended range. The main sources of these minerals in the student’s diet were rice, rice products, meat and animal products. Lead concentration in the diet (134±77 ug/day) is below the acceptable daily intake (ADI) value suggested by Codex Alimentarius Commission (1984). This study indicated concern regarding the low intake of the essential trace elements on long term basis among the students.
An assessment of the daily intake of major nutrients among 409 adults (males and females aged between 18-60 years, normal body mass index) residing in four regions in Malaysia was carried out as part of a major study on energy requirement. Subjects from both urban and rural areas completed a 3-day food record during the study. Mean energy intake among the men and women were 9.05 ± 2.21 MJ/day (2163 kcal/day) and 7.19 ± 1.60 MJ/day (1718 kcal/day) respectively, corresponding to 90% of the Malaysian RDA. A mean of 14% of the total energy was derived from protein, 23% from fat and 63% from carbohydrate. Energy intake amongst male subjects in the rural area (8.47 MJ/day, 2024 kcal) was significantly lower than their urban counterparts (9.52 MJ/day, 2275 kcal). There was no difference in mean energy intake in both the urban (7. 19 MJ/day, 1718 kcal) as well as rural women (7.16 MJ/day, 1711 kcal) corresponding to 86% of the RDA. The distribution of nutrients to the total energy intake amongst rural subjects were 13% for protein in both males and females, 65% for carbohydrate in males and 66% in females and 19% for fat in males and 21% for females. In the urban male and female subjects, the distribution of protein, carbohydrate and fat to the total energy intake were 14%, 55% and 29% and 30% respectively. The rural subjects showed a poorer mean intake of vitamins and minerals compared to the urban subjects. The diets of the male subjects in the rural area were deficient, less than two-third RDA in calcium, riboflavin and niacin. Calcium and iron intakes were less than two-third RDA in both the rural as well as the urban women. The rural women also had a poor intake of vitamin A and niacin. Overall, only protein and vitamin C intake met the RDA in most subjects from rural and urban areas.
Introduction: Heavy metals and other contaminants in food have been a concern to food industries, consumers and governing authorities. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of heavy metals and other elements in edible bird nests (EBNs). Methods: Raw and processed (commercial) EBNs were used in the study. Raw EBNs were collected directly from five house farms in Peninsular Malaysia - Kuala Sanglang (Kedah), Pantai Remis (Perak), Kluang Gohor), Kota Bharu (Kelantan) and Kajang (Selangor). Processed EBNs were pmchased from five Chinese traditional medicinal shops located in Peninsular Malaysia. The levels of 32 elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and findings of the study were compared to the maximum regulatory limits set by the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) for EBNs. Results: Of the seven elements with maximum regulatory limits (As, Cd, Pb, Hg, Sn, Cu, Fe), one raw EBN was detected with mercury level of 70.180 ppb which was above the SIRIM permissible limit of 50 ppb. All the EBNs had iron levels above the SIRIM permissible limit of 30 ppb. The levels of the other 25 elements with no maximum regulatory limits (Ca, Mg, Na, K, P, Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, Se, Zn, Ag, Ba, Be, Bi, B, Li, Ni, Sb, Sr, Ti, U, V, Al, Zr) were also determined. Conclusion: The data obtained for the 25 elements with no permissible limits can serve as baseline data for further studies to establish their maximum regulatory limits.
Introduction: This study aimed to determine the nutrient content of cornflakes and muesli, ready-to-eat cereal products available in the Malaysian market. Cornflakes and muesli were chosen due to their popularity as a breakfast meal especially in urban areas. Methods: A total of six brands each for cornflakes and muesli were purchased from supermarkets in the Klang Valley using stratified random sampling. All samples were analysed using AOAC official methods of analysis. The validity of the test data was monitored with the application of internal quality controls in line with the requirements of ISO 17025. Results: Proximate analysis revealed significantly higher mean levels of carbohydrate (86.94 ± 0.59 mg/lOOg), minerals such as iron (8.48±1.72 mg/lOOg) and sodium (674.83±102.99 g/lOOg), B3 as niacinamide (25.87 ± 6.14 g/lOOg) and sucrose (5.10 ± 0.90 mg/lOOg) in cornflakes than in muesli. However, muesli contained significantly more mean moisture (10.23 ± 0.72 mg/lOOg), protein (10.07 ± 0.79 mg/lOOg), total dietary fibre (12.49 ± 1.44 mg/lOOg), magnesium (113.22 ± 7.93 mg/lOOg), zinc (1.65 ± 0.16 mg/lOOg), copper (0.25 ± 0.02 mg/lOOg), total sugar (18.75 ± 2.05 mg/lOOg), glucose (7.70±1.77 mg/lOOg) and fructose (8.68±1.76 mg/lOOg) than cornflakes. Most of the fatty acids analysed were not detected or of low value in both the cereal products. Conclusion: The nutrient analysis of cornflakes and muesli suggests that both ready-to-eat cereals are nutritionally good choice as breakfast for consumers as it provides carbohydrate, minerals, fibre and vitamins. The data provides additional information to the Malaysian Food Composition Database.
Skin aging is a complex natural process characterised by gradual diminishment of structural integrity and physiological imbalance of the skin tissue. Since the oxidative stress is tightly corelated to the skin aging process, the usage of antioxidant may serve as favourable strategies for slowing down the skin aging process. Mangosteen is an important fruit commodity and its extract had been extensively studied and revealing various biological activities. Present study aimed to assess the antioxidant and antiaging activity of mangosteen peel extract (MPE) and its phytochemical compounds. MPE and its compounds were subjected to ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), hydroperoxide (H2O2) scavenging, anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, anti-hyaluronidase and anti-tyrosinase assay. MPE has the highest FRAP 116.31 ± 0.60 μM Fe(II) μg-1 extract, IC50 of MPE on H2O2 scavenging activity was 54.61 μg mL-1. MPE also has the highest anti elastase activity at IC50 7.40 μg mL-1. Alpha-mangostin showed potent anti-collagenase activity (IC50 9.75 μg mL-1). While gamma-mangostin showed potent anti-hyaluronidase (IC50 23.85 μg mL-1) and anti-tyrosinase (IC50 50.35 μg mL-1). MPE and its compounds were evaluated in vitro for antioxidant and antiaging activities. Current findings may provide scientific evidence for possible usage of mangosteen extract and its compounds as antioxidant and antiaging agent.
Ficus deltoidea leaves were widely used as a tea beverages in Malaysia with no information of its mineral content. Hence the mineral content of two species of Ficus deltoidea leaves were investigated. The dried leaves of F. deltoidea var. angustifolia and F. deltoidea var. deltoidea were acid digested and mineral elements of Na, Mg, K, Ca, Mn, Cr, Fe and Zn were determined using ICP–MS. Magnesium, potassium, sodium, manganese, iron and zinc were found to be present in the leaves of F. deltoidea var. angustifolia and F. deltoidea var. deltoidea. Concentration of magnesium (1934 mg/L), manganese (58.37 mg/L), iron (6.89 mg/L) and zinc (1.77 mg/L) in F. deltoidea var. deltoidea species were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in F. deltoidea var. angustifolia species with concentration of 317 mg/L, 29.62 mg/L, 4.55 mg/L and 1.26 mg/L for magnesium, manganese, iron and zinc respectively. Meanwhile, concentration of sodium in F. deltoidea var. deltoidea species (3.13 mg/L) was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the concentration in F. deltoidea var. angustifolia species (9.11 mg/L). The finding showed that the leaves of F. deltoidea var. deltoidea has higher nutritional value than the leaves of F. deltoidea var. angustifolia. Leaves of Ficus deltoidea especially the F. deltoidea var. deltoidea species contain high amount of magnesium, manganese and potassium. Therefore, tea made of this leaves can be served as a good source of minerals for human consumption.
Fractional factorial design was utilized to evaluate the effect of combinations of nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, hydrochloric acid and water for microwave digestion of fish muscle. Upon digestion, copper, iron and zinc were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. H2O2 and HCl volumes were found to be the most significant parameters which resulted in good metal recoveries. This is especially so for the effect of HCl on Fe recovery. The results indicated that the combination of 4 mL 65% HNO3, 2 mL 30% H2O2 and 2 mL 30% HCl gave the most satisfactory percentage recovery. There was good agreement between measured and certified values for all metals with respect to the DORM-3 fish protein.
Vigna sinensis also known as long-podded cowpea or Chinese long bean (Family:Fabaceae) is most widely grown in Southeast Asia. They are a good source of protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, phosphorus, and potassium. The antioxidant potential of crude methanol extract, chloroform, and ethyl acetate soluble fractions of Vigna sinensiswas screened for in- vitro antioxidant activity using total phenolic content, ferric reducing power, 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assay, ferric thiocyanate (FTC) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) tests. It was found that ethyl acetate fraction have maximum amount of polyphenolics compounds (2.69 mg/g GAE in concentration 0.5 mg/mL); more effective than methanol and chloroform extract.This fraction also exhibited fairly good antioxidant activity with in both TBA (17.39% mg/g GAE) and FTC (12.65% mg/g GAE) methods.
The banana pseudo-stem is not currently utilised in the food industry. The aim of this research was to investigate the chemical and pasting profile of banana pseudo-stem flour (BPF). Wheat flour were substituted with BPF (0, 5, 15 and 30%) and the pasting profile were determined. Results from mineral analysis showed that the levels of sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and phosphorus (P) were higher than those of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn). The BPF had a 0.04% total titratable acidity (TTA) and a total soluble solid (TSS) of 1.30⁰ Brix with pH 5.41. BPF contained 28.26% total starch, 12.81% resistant starch and a total digestible starch value of 15.45%. An increased substitution level of BPF into wheat flour significantly (p
In Malaysia, mineral processing plant is one of the Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) processing industries controlled by the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) through the enforcement of Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984 (Act 304). The activities generated waste which is called as TENORM wastes. TENORM wastes are mainly found in thorium hydroxide from the processing of xenotime and monazite, and iron oxide and red gypsum from the processing of ilmenite. Other TENORM wastes are scales and sludge from the oil and gas industries, tin slag produced from the smelting of tin, and ilmenite, zircon,
and monazite produced from the processing of tin tailing (amang). The environmental and radiological monitoring program is needed to ensure that the TENORM wastes did not caused any contamination to the environment. The wastes vary in the types of samples, parameters of analysis as well as the frequency of monitoring based on license’s conditions issued by the AELB. The main objective of this study is to assess the suitability of license’s condition and the monitoring program required in oil and gas, and mineral processing
industries. Study was done by assessing the data submitted to the AELB in order to comply with the licensing requirement. This study had found out that there are a few of license’s conditions that need to be reviewed accordingly based on the processing activity.
There is an increase need and demand to update Malaysian Food Composition Database (FCD) which was last updated in 1997. The current FCD program was designed to expand the quantity and improve the quality of the existing database. The present work was aimed to determine the nutrient content of commercial rice products from three rice varieties classified as raw and processed foods, namely Basmati, Siam, and Fragrant rice. A total of six brands from each type of rice were sampled from a local supermarket within Klang Valley. Analyses were carried out for 27 nutrients that include proximate (Energy, Water, Protein, Fat, Carbohydrate, Total Dietary Fibre, and Ash), minerals (Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium, Iron, Zinc, and Copper), water soluble vitamins (C, B1, B2, B3, B6 and B9), fat soluble vitamins (A and E), total sugar, fatty acids (total saturated fat, total monounsaturated fat and total polyunsaturated), trans fatty acids, and cholesterol. The three rice varieties were found to contain comparable nutrient levels except for vitamin C, B1, A, E and total sugar which were not detected in all samples. The fatty acid (total saturated, total monounsaturated, and total polyunsaturated) as well as trans- fatty acid were detected at very low levels. Cholesterol was not detected in all samples. These findings can be utilised in raising public awareness and assistance to better estimate nutrient contents and intake depending on the varieties of rice.