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Charting the microplastic menace: A bibliometric analysis of pollution in Malaysian mangroves and polypropylene bioaccumulation assessment in Anadara granosa

Mohan P, Shahul Hamid F

Mar Pollut Bull, 2024 Aug;205:116654.
PMID: 38959572 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116654

According to a bibliometric analysis, studies on microplastic pollution in Malaysia are still incomprehensive. This study found microplastic contamination in sediment (97 particles/kg) and water (10,963 particles/m3) samples from Malaysian mangroves. Sediment from Matang and water from Kuala Selangor recorded the highest microplastic concentrations at 140 ± 5.13 particles/kg and 13,350 ± 37.95 particles/m3, respectively. Fragmented, blue, rayon and particles of <0.1 mm microplastic were the most abundant in sediment and water. In an experiment of polypropylene microplastic uptakes, Anadara granosa was found to uptake more 0.1 mm fiber particles. The uptake is strongly correlated to the presence of microplastics in sediment and water. The estimated dietary intake (EDI) indicates that a consumer could ingest 507 microplastic particles/year by consuming contaminated A. granosa. Therefore, mitigating measures are crucial to safeguard aquatic systems and humans from microplastic pollution.
Fulltext Pulmonary melioidosis presenting with pleural effusion: A case report and review of literature

Soo CI, Abdul Wahab S, Abdul Hamid F

Respir Med Case Rep, 2015;16:54-6.
PMID: 26744655 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2015.07.005

Melioidosis is a serious infection, which can involve multiple systems. We report a case of pulmonary melioidosis with the initial presentation mimicking a partially treated pneumonia complicated by right-sided pleural effusion. The patient is a 49-year old man who did not respond to parenteral ceftriaxone and tazobactam/piperacillin therapy. However, upon culture and sensitivity results from blood and pleural samples isolated Burkholderia pseudomallei; antimicrobial therapy was de-escalated to parenteral ceftazidime. Within 72 h duration, his fever subsided and other respiratory symptoms improved tremendously. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of B. pseudomallei in pulmonary infection in order for prompt institution of appropriate antibiotics treatment; thus reducing morbidity and mortality.
Fulltext Ambiguous presentations of pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: Two case reports of a rare pulmonary malignancy

Soo CI, Ng BH, Tan EL, Abdul Hamid F

SAGE Open Med Case Rep, 2016;4:2050313X16650323.
PMID: 27489719 DOI: 10.1177/2050313X16650323

Pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is an uncommon lung malignancy of endothelial origin. Besides demonstrating unpredictable presentation features and prognosis, the paucity of established treatment guidelines remains a challenge in managing these patients. We present two patients. The first patient presented with chronic productive cough over 1-year duration. He was initially diagnosed and showed partial response to treatment for cardiac failure. A persistent right upper zone consolidation on chest radiograph prompted further investigations which revealed the diagnosis of pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. The second patient presented with right-sided hemiparesis for 1-month duration. Initial computer tomography scan of the brain showed findings of distant metastatic foci. Subsequent investigations revealed pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma as the primary lesion. Both patients succumbed without any treatment due to rapid progression of the disease. We believe that pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is undoubtedly rarely reported in south-east Asia region. In these two case reports, the patients were diagnosed in west and east Malaysia, respectively, in the same year (2015). Both cases highlight the increasing prevalence of pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. We postulate that this could possibly be secondary to the advancement in diagnostic capabilities and improved healthcare facilities available in this region. Late presentation of pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma generally results in grave prognosis. Further investigations are required to elucidate the nature of progression and therapeutic options for patients with pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma.
Immobilization of Pb, Cd, and Zn in a contaminated soil using eggshell and banana stem amendments: metal leachability and a sequential extraction study

Ashrafi M, Mohamad S, Yusoff I, Shahul Hamid F

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2015 Jan;22(1):223-30.
PMID: 25060308 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3299-4

Heavy-metal-contaminated soil is one of the major environmental pollution issues all over the world. In this study, two low-cost amendments, inorganic eggshell and organic banana stem, were applied to slightly alkaline soil for the purpose of in situ immobilization of Pb, Cd, and Zn. The artificially metal-contaminated soil was treated with 5% eggshell or 10% banana stem. To simulate the rainfall conditions, a metal leaching experiment for a period of 12 weeks was designed, and the total concentrations of the metals in the leachates were determined every 2 weeks. The results from the metal leaching analysis revealed that eggshell amendment generally reduced the concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Zn in the leachates, whereas banana stem amendment was effective only on the reduction of Cd concentration in the leachates. A sequential extraction analysis was carried out at the end of the experiment to find out the speciation of the heavy metals in the amended soils. Eggshell amendment notably decreased mobility of Pb, Cd, and Zn in the soil by transforming their readily available forms to less accessible fractions. Banana stem amendment also reduced exchangeable form of Cd and increased its residual form in the soil.
Beneath the surface: Exploring microplastic intricacies in Anadara granosa

Mohan P, Shahul Hamid F, Furumai H, Nishikawa K

Mar Environ Res, 2024 Jul;199:106581.
PMID: 38878345 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106581

Anadara granosa or blood cockles have been reported to be a candidate for biomonitoring agents due to their sedimentary nature and their nutrient uptake mechanisms. Yet, this bivalve is still regarded as a delicacy in Asian cuisine. Malaysia is the largest exporter of this sea product that contaminated cockles may also be experienced by the importing countries. However, the bioaccumulation of microplastics in A. granosa cultivated in Malaysia has not been extensively studied. It is crucial to comprehend the risk posed to humans by consuming A. granosa in their diet. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to investigate the levels of microplastic accumulation in A. granosa from major exporters in Peninsular Malaysia, to evaluate the associated risk of microplastics on the species, and to estimate daily human consumption of microplastics through the consumption of A. granosa. The abundance of microplastics was quantified through the use of a stereo microscope, and the polymer type was determined using FTIR and micro-FTIR. Findings from this investigation revealed that all samples of A. granosa were contaminated with microplastics, with the highest levels of accumulation found in bivalves collected from the west coast (0.26 ± 0.15 particles/g) of Peninsular Malaysia. Fragment and fiber microplastics, measuring between 0.05 and 0.1 mm in size, were found to be the most prevalent in A. granosa, with blue being the dominant identified colour and rayon being the most common polymer type. Microplastic risk assessment due to the presence of polyacrylate, polycarbonate (PC), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resulted in a high risk of contamination for A. granosa. It was further determined that the current estimated dietary intake (EDI) suggests that consumers of A. granosa uptake approximately 21.8-93.5 particles/person/year of microplastics. This study highlights that A. granosa accumulates microplastics, which could potentially result in bioaccumulation and biomagnification in humans through consumption.
Fulltext Influence of refractive condition on retinal vasculature complexity in younger subjects

Azemin MZ, Daud NM, Ab Hamid F, Zahari I, Sapuan AH

ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:783525.
PMID: 25371914 DOI: 10.1155/2014/783525

The aim of this study was to compare the retinal vasculature complexity between emmetropia, and myopia in younger subjects.
Age-related rarefaction in retinal vasculature is not linear

Che Azemin MZ, Ab Hamid F, Aminuddin A, Wang JJ, Kawasaki R, Kumar DK

Exp Eye Res, 2013 Nov;116:355-358.
PMID: 24512773 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2013.10.010

The fractal dimension is a global measure of complexity and is useful for quantifying anatomical structures, including the retinal vascular network. A previous study found a linear declining trend with aging on the retinal vascular fractal dimension (DF); however, it was limited to the older population (49 years and older). This study aimed to investigate the possible models of the fractal dimension changes from young to old subjects (10-73 years). A total of 215 right-eye retinal samples, including those of 119 (55%) women and 96 (45%) men, were selected. The retinal vessels were segmented using computer-assisted software, and non-vessel fragments were deleted. The fractal dimension was measured based on the log-log plot of the number of grids versus the size. The retinal vascular DF was analyzed to determine changes with increasing age. Finally, the data were fitted to three polynomial models. All three models are statistically significant (Linear: R2 = 0.1270, 213 d.f., p
The prevalence of hypersensitivity reactions to snake antivenoms administered in sultanah nur zahirah hospital from 2013 to 2016

Nur AS, Hamid F, Mohd Shahezwan AW, Mohd Zaki FS, Ahmad KI

Med J Malaysia, 2020 05;75(3):216-220.
PMID: 32467535

INTRODUCTION: Snakebite is an important medical emergency. Antivenoms remain the only proven treatment for snake envenoming. However, the use of antivenom is associated with hypersensitivity reactions. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and types of hypersensitivity reactions and types and outcomes of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for antivenom reactions among snakebite patients that received antivenoms.
METHODS: This was a 4-year cross-sectional study of snakebite patients from January 2013 to December 2016 in Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah (HSNZ), Terengganu. Data was extracted from the Pharmacy Record on the usage of antivenom and patients of snakebites treated with antivenom were identified. Data of patients were then obtained from the electronic medical records.' Demographic details, clinical features and characteristics of antivenom reactions of patients were recorded in standardized data collection forms and analyzed using chi-square or Mann- Whitney U tests.
RESULTS: Of the 44 patients who received antivenom, 24 (54.5%) developed hypersensitivity reaction. All patients developed reaction early. No patient developed delayed (serum-sickness) reaction. Of the 24 patients, 14 (58.3%) had moderate to severe hypersensitivity reaction and 9 (37.5%) patients had mild reactions. Only one (4.2%) patient presented with bradycardia.
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of early hypersensitivity reaction to snake antivenom in HSNZ was relatively high. Healthcare providers should be aware of the appropriate method of preparing and administering antivenom, and the management for acute hypersensitivity reactions. This will optimize the management of snakebite and ensure patient safety.
Strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from municipal solid waste management in Pakistan

Michel Devadoss PS, Pariatamby A, Bhatti MS, Chenayah S, Shahul Hamid F

Waste Manag Res, 2021 Jul;39(7):914-927.
PMID: 33506744 DOI: 10.1177/0734242X20983927

The studies on municipal solid waste (MSW) management in Pakistan and its impacts on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are glaringly missing. Therefore, this study examines the effect of MSW management on GHG emissions in Pakistan and suggests the best suitable strategies for alleviating GHG emissions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2006 waste model (WM) was used to create inventory of GHG emissions from landfilling. The solid waste management GHG (SWM-GHG) calculator and strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threat (SWOT) analyses were used as strategic planning tools to reduce GHG emissions by improving MSW management in Pakistan. The IPCC 2006 WM estimated 14,987,113 metric tonnes (Mt) carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2-eq) of GHG emissions in 2016. The SWM-GHG calculator, on the other hand, estimated 23,319,370 Mt CO2-eq of GHG emissions from management of 30,764,000 Mt of MSW in 2016, which included 8% recycling, 2% composting, and 90% disposal in open dumps. To reduce GHG emissions, two strategies including recycling-focused and incineration-focused were analysed. The recycling approach can reduce more GHG emissions than incineration, as it can reduce 36% of GHG emissions (as compared to GHG emission in 2016) by recycling 23% of MSW, anaerobically digesting 10% of MSW, and disposing of 67% of MSW in sanitary landfills (with energy recovery). Moreover, the SWOT analysis suggested integration of the informal sector, adoption of anaerobic digestion and formulation of explicit MSW regulations for improving the current management of MSW which will also result in lower GHG emissions.
Worldwide distribution and abundance of microplastic: How dire is the situation?

Shahul Hamid F, Bhatti MS, Anuar N, Anuar N, Mohan P, Periathamby A

Waste Manag Res, 2018 Oct;36(10):873-897.
PMID: 30103651 DOI: 10.1177/0734242X18785730

The widespread occurrence of microplastic has invaded the environment to an extent that it appears to be present throughout the globe. This review investigated the global abundance and distribution of microplastics in marine and freshwater ecosystems. Furthermore, the issues and challenges have been addressed for better findings in microplastics studies. Findings revealed that the accumulation of microplastics varies geographically, with locations, hydrodynamic conditions, environmental pressure, and time. From this review, it is crucial that proper regulations are proposed and implemented in order to reduce the occurrence of microplastics in the aquatic environment. Without appropriate law and regulations, microplastic pollution will eventually threaten human livelihood.
Retinal Vasculature Fractal Dimension Measures Vessel Density

Ab Hamid F, Che Azemin MZ, Salam A, Aminuddin A, Mohd Daud N, Zahari I

Curr Eye Res, 2016 Jun;41(6):823-31.
PMID: 26268475 DOI: 10.3109/02713683.2015.1056375

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to provide the empirical evidence of fractal dimension as an indirect measure of retinal vasculature density.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred retinal samples of right eye [57.0% females (n = 114) and 43.0% males (n = 86)] were selected from baseline visit. A custom-written software was used for vessel segmentation. Vessel segmentation is the process of transforming two-dimensional color images into binary images (i.e. black and white pixels). The circular area of approximately 2.6 optic disc radii surrounding the center of optic disc was cropped. The non-vessels fragments were removed. FracLac was used to measure the fractal dimension and vessel density of retinal vessels.
RESULTS: This study suggested that 14.1% of the region of interest (i.e. approximately 2.6 optic disk radii) comprised retinal vessel structure. Using correlation analysis, vessel density measurement and fractal dimension estimation are linearly and strongly correlated (R = 0.942, R(2) = 0.89, p
Fulltext Cluster Analysis Evaluating PM2.5, Occupation Risk and Mode of Transportation as Surrogates for Air-pollution and the Impact on Lung Cancer Diagnosis and 1-Year Mortality

Abdul Wahab S, Hassan A, Latif MT, Vadiveel Y, Jeyabalan T, Soo CI, et al.

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2019 07 01;20(7):1959-1965.
PMID: 31350951 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2019.20.7.1959

Objective: Epidemiological studies have reported the close relationship between risk for lung cancers and air pollution
in particular, for non-smoking related lung cancers. However, most studies used residential address as proxies which may
not estimate accurately an individual’s air pollution exposure. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify risk factors
such as occupation and mode of transportation associated with lung cancer diagnosis and death. Methods: Subjects
with lung cancer (n=514) were evaluated both by chart reviews for clinical data and interviews to determine residential
address for ten years, main occupation and main mode of transportation. Annual particulate matter with diameter size
less than 2.5 micrometre (PM2.5) concentration were calculated based on particulate matter with diameter size less than
10 micrometre (PM10) data recorded by Malaysian Department of Environment. Logistic regression analysis, cluster
analysis and the Cox regression analysis were performed to the studied variables. Results: This study concurred with
previous studies that lung adenocarcinoma were diagnosed in predominantly younger, female non-smokers compared
to the other types of lung cancers. Lung adenocarcinoma subjects had annual PM2.5 that was almost twice higher than
squamous cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma and other histological subtypes (p=0.024). Independent of smoking,
the κ -means cluster analysis revealed two clusters in which the high risk cluster involves occupation risk with air
pollution of more than four hours per day, main transportation involving motorcycle and trucks and mean annual PM2.5
concentration of more than 30 based on residential address for more than ten years. The increased risk for the high-risk
cluster was more than five times for the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma (OR=5.69, 95% CI=3.14-7.21, p<0.001).
The hazard ratio for the high-risk cluster was 3.89 (95% CI=2.12-4.56, p=0.02) for lung adenocarcinoma mortality at
1 year. Conclusion: High-risk cluster including PM2.5, occupation risk and mode of transportation as surrogates for
air-pollution exposure was identified and highly associated with lung adenocarcinoma diagnosis and 1-year mortality.
Fulltext Comparison of Treatment Outcomes among Sibling Oocytes Using Different Culture Systems-Conventional IVF versus INVOcell Device-And Evaluation of INVOcell User Satisfaction: The INVOcIVF Study

Yang Mohsin WS, Abdullah Chue NS, Abdul Hamid F, Abu MA, Othman S, Mat Jin N, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Sep 29;19(19).
PMID: 36231691 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912391

INVOcell is considered an alternative to conventional IVF proposed for intravaginal embryo culture; however, implementation is still low because evidence is scanty regarding its outcome and, most importantly, the device's user satisfaction. Thus, we aim to compare the embryo outcome of sibling oocytes following INVOcell culture with conventional IVF (cIVF) by assessing its clinical outcome (fertilization, blastulation rate, and good embryo quality) and the user satisfaction evaluation based on a local validation questionnaire. A prospective study was done at a university-setting hospital for 12 months (July 2021-2022). The oocytes collected were divided into INVOcell and cIVF groups equally. Inclusion criteria included <40 years old and body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m2. The pre- and post-satisfaction questionnaires were assessed. In total, 23 women were included following standard controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). The mean age was 32.9, and the mean BMI was 24.9 kg/m2. Most of them suffered from tubal factors. A total of 252 oocytes were collected and incubated accordingly (cIVF; 138, INVOcell; 114). The blastulation rate was superior in the INVOcell group (p = 0.16); otherwise, the fertilization rate and good embryo quality were not significantly different between both methods (p > 0.05). Overall, women were satisfied with the INVOcell device as they were adequately advised, follow-up was scheduled, and the lowest score was obtained for all side effects of the device. Although both methods produce similar fertilization rates and good-quality embryos, the blastulation rates were better in the INVOcell group. Functionally, it is a user-friendly device and tolerable. Therefore, INVOcell can be used as an alternative method for reproductive treatment in carefully selected patients without jeopardizing the IVF outcomes.

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