DR NURUL IZZAH BINTI AHMAD (NIH) (original) (raw)
Papers by DR NURUL IZZAH BINTI AHMAD (NIH)
Introduction: The link between daily variations of air pollution level and hospital admissions du... more Introduction: The link between daily variations of air pollution level and hospital admissions due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases is well established in temperate countries. However, more studies are essential to explore the effects of pollutants on population health in tropical climate. Objective: The objectives of the study were to determine the associations and risk estimates of daily variations of air pollutants in the Klang Valley, Malaysia with cardiovascular and respiratory admissions. Methodology: Data on daily hospital admissions for Klang Valley (2008-2010), were obtained from Health Informatics Center, MOH. Daily mean concentrations of air pollutants of particulate matter less than 10ug/m 3 (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), ozone (O 3 ), were obtained from Malaysian Department of Environment while the daily observations of meteorological conditions were from Malaysian Meteorological Department. We examined the asso...
Building and Environment, 2021
Abstract Poor indoor air quality triggered by microbiological mycotoxins is potentially harmful t... more Abstract Poor indoor air quality triggered by microbiological mycotoxins is potentially harmful to human health. Patients and healthcare workers in hospital environment are vulnerable to these contaminants. This review aims to identify related studies and profiles various fungi species and mycotoxins present in a hospital environment. This review adopted Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) to integrate the results of included studies. The identification process involves original English-language articles published from year 2000 to first quarter 2019. Articles were retrieved using two databases (Google Scholar and PubMed) and selected keywords used to describe this subject matter. All search and review processes were performed on the MS Excel Spreadsheet tool. Six stages in the methodological framework were used as an approach to ensure all relevant studies were covered in the present scoping review. 62 articles were selected to best describe indoor air quality of a hospital environment. Countries in Asia contributed the highest compared to elsewhere. This review identified mycotoxins produced by fungi species in three articles. Common fungi genera identified were Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium. Most of the fungi species were found in the hospital general area (18.3%) and in wards (16.8%). Other locations in descending order were others department, emergency department, ICU, labour room, operating theatre, NICU and laboratory. The last two decades, numerous articles on hospital indoor air quality studied in Asia and the Middle East countries. More research should be conducted on Malaysian hospitals focusing specifically on fungus producing mycotoxins in its indoor environment.
Food & Nutrition Research, 2016
British Food Journal, 2020
PurposeMalaysians are the highest seafood consumers in the region; be it fresh or processed. Envi... more PurposeMalaysians are the highest seafood consumers in the region; be it fresh or processed. Environmental pollution has put the safety of seafood at stake, heavy metals among others. This study was done to assess the health risk associated with selected heavy metals ingestion from processed seafood.Design/methodology/approachThe most preferred processed seafood type and the intake rates were determined from a cross-sectional survey among communities in Shah Alam, Selangor (n = 90). The processed seafood were then purchased from local traders (n = 81), underwent homogenization, acid digestion (0.5 g) in Multiwave 3,000 and heavy metal quantitation (Hg, Pb, Cd, As) using ICP-MS. Estimated weekly ingestion (EWI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), lifetime cancer risk (LCR), and target risk (TR) were used to estimate the risk associated with processed seafood consumption.FindingsArsenic was the highest metal detected, acetes topping the list (10.05 ± 0.02 mg/kg). Mercury was det...
Microchemical Journal, 2018
ABSTRAK Satu soal selidik telah dijalankan bertujuan untuk menilai tahap pengambilan ulam-ulaman ... more ABSTRAK Satu soal selidik telah dijalankan bertujuan untuk menilai tahap pengambilan ulam-ulaman di Negeri Selangor di kalangan 252 orang dewasa (> 17 tahun) (lelaki 28.6%, wanita 71.4%), pelbagai etnik (Melayu-51.6%; Cina-30.5%; India-17.5%) dengan umur purata 42.7 ± 13.9 tahun. Pengumpulan data pengambilan ulam-ulaman dibuat menggunakan kaedah sampel pendua 24 jam dan disertakan dengan soal selidik persepsi. Keputusan kajian ini mendapati bahawa ulam segar digemari oleh hampir semua subjek (82.1%) terutama daripada kalangan etnik Melayu (92.3%). Sebanyak 52% subjek memilih ulam celur/rebus. Faktor utama pengambilan ulam-ulaman adalah kerana khasiat yang baik kepada kesihatan serta rasanya yang enak dan unik. Ulam segar utama yang diambil oleh subjek kajian adalah mentimun (Cucumis sativus) (60.6%), kacang botol (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) (33%), pegaga (Hydrocotyle asiatica) (31.5%), daun salad (Lactuca sativa) (27.6%), petai (Parkia speciosa) (29%) dan ulam raja (Cosmos caud...
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2015
This study is to determine total mercury in edible tissues of eight species of cephalopods and 12... more This study is to determine total mercury in edible tissues of eight species of cephalopods and 12 species of crustaceans purchased from 11 identified major fish landing ports and wet markets throughout Peninsular Malaysia. The concentration of mercury was measured by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) technique using the Perkin Elmer Flow Injection Mercury System (FIMS-400). In general, the mercury levels were low with concentrations in cephalopods ranging from 0.099 to 2.715 mg/kg dry weight (or 0.0184-0.505 mg/kg wet weight) and in crustaceans ranging from 0.057 to 1.359 mg/kg dry weight (or 0.0111-0.265 mg/kg wet weight). The mercury levels showed no significant differences (P>0.05) between species for both cephalopods and crustaceans. There was no significant correlation between mercury concentrations and the body size of individual for both groups as well. Comparisons with mercury levels obtained found from other previous studies and/or species noted that they were of the same magnitude or relatively low compared to various locations reported worldwide.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2014
This study was conducted to determine the concentration of total mercury in the edible portion of... more This study was conducted to determine the concentration of total mercury in the edible portion of 46 species of marine fish (n=297) collected from selected major fish landing ports and wholesale markets throughout Peninsular Malaysia. Samples were collected in June to December 2009. Prior to analysis, the fish samples were processed which consisted of drying at 65°C until a constant weight was attained; then, it was grounded and digested by a microwave digestion system. The analytical determination was carried out by using a mercury analysis system. Total mercury concentration among fish species was examined. The results showed that mercury concentrations were found significantly higher (p<0.001) in demersal fish (the range was from 0.173 to 2.537 mg/kg in dried weight) compared to pelagic fish (which ranged from 0.055 to 2.137 mg/kg in dried weight). The mercury concentrations were also higher in carnivorous fish especially in the species with more predatory feeding habits. Besides, the family group of Latidae (0.537±0.267 mg/kg in dried weight), Dasyatidae (0.492±0.740 mg/kg in dried weight), and Lutjanidae (0.465±0.566 mg/kg in dried weight) showed significantly (p<0.001) higher mercury levels compared to other groups. Fish collected from Port Klang (0.563± 0.509 mg/kg in dry weight), Kuala Besar (0.521±0.415 mg/kg in dry weight), and Pandan (0.380±0.481 mg/kg in dry weight) were significantly higher (p=0.014) in mercury concentrations when compared to fish from other sampling locations. Total mercury levels were significantly higher (p<0.002) in bigger fish (body length >20 cm) and were positively related with fish size (length and weight) in all fish samples. Despite the results, the level of mercury in marine fish did not exceed the permitted levels of Malaysian and JECFA guideline values at 0.5 mg/kg methylmercury in fish.
Mycotoxin Research, 2012
Aflatoxins are highly toxic secondary fungal metabolites mainly produced by Aspergillus flavus an... more Aflatoxins are highly toxic secondary fungal metabolites mainly produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. Human exposure to aflatoxins may result directly from ingestion of contaminated foods, or indirectly from consumption of foods from animals previously exposed to aflatoxins in feeds. This paper focuses on exposure measurement of aflatoxins and aflatoxin metabolites in various human body fluids. Research on different metabolites present in blood, urine, breast milk, and other human fluids or tissues including their detection techniques is reviewed. The association between dietary intake of aflatoxins and biomarker measurement is also highlighted. Finally, aspects related to the differences between aflatoxin determination in food versus the biomarker approach are discussed.
Sains Malaysiana, 2004
Pencemaran makanan merupakan masalah global yang berpunca daripada aktiviti perindustrian dan per... more Pencemaran makanan merupakan masalah global yang berpunca daripada aktiviti perindustrian dan pertanian atau semasa pemprosesan atau penyimpanan makanan. Pencemaran ini akan mengakibatkan kemerosotan kesihatan kepada manusia. Terdapat ...
The selection and training of panelists for identification of earthy attributes in wild black til... more The selection and training of panelists for identification of earthy attributes in wild black tilapia was carried out using triangle test and Quantitative Descriptive Analysis procedures. Training was carried out in three stages. The first stage was the introduction to fish flavour ...
Pertanika Journal of …, 2001
Panel terlatih digunakan untuk mengenal pasti profil rasa yang merangkumi aroma, rasa dan rasa se... more Panel terlatih digunakan untuk mengenal pasti profil rasa yang merangkumi aroma, rasa dan rasa selepas ditelan bagi ikan tilapia hitam (Oreochromia mossambica). Untuk tujuan perbandingan, 2 jenis ikan laut iaitu ikan kembung (Rastrellinger kanagurta) dan ikan aya (Euthynnus affinis) dan ikan (Clarias batracus), sejenis ikan air tawar, juga dinilai. Sepuluh, dan Lapan ciri aroma, rasa dan rasa selepas ditelan telah dikenal pasti. Walau bagaimanapun, kehadiran ciri lumpur yang kuat hingga sederhana menguasai sifat aroma, rasa dan rasa selepas ditelan ikan tilapia yang juga sentiasa mendapat skor yang lebih tinggi daripada ikan keli kecuali bagi rasa selepas ditelan. Kehadiran geosmin di dalam otot ikan tilapia mungkin di dalam julat 1.0 hingga 10.0 Ilgmt l. Aroma lumpur mungkin boleh dikurangkan dengan memasak.
Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural …, 1995
Ikan keli (Clarias batrachus, Linnaeus) dan tilapia merah (Oreochromis sp.) disimpan di suhu pers... more Ikan keli (Clarias batrachus, Linnaeus) dan tilapia merah (Oreochromis sp.) disimpan di suhu persekitaran (28±2°C) untuk selama 24 jam. Sampel di nilai bagi penerimaan, perubahan kesegaran, kehadiran ketengitan dan perubahan bilangan mikrob. Ikan keli masih diterima sehingga 20 jam dan ikan tilapia selama 15 jam penyimpanan. Ketika ditolak nilai K J ialah 70.0 dan 42.7 % bagi tilapia dan keli masing-masing. Sampel ikan keli tidak melampaui bilangan mikrob 10 7 cfu/g hingga ke akhir masa penyimpanan; walaubagaimanapun, sampel tilapia telah melebihi bilangan mikrob dalam masa 20 jam.
Journal of Food Science and Nutrition Research, 2019
Plants pythochemicals are extensively known for their advantageous in health to promote biochemic... more Plants pythochemicals are extensively known for their advantageous in health to promote biochemical benefits in the area of reactions, cofactors and inhibitors of enzyme, absorbents/sequestrants that bind to and eliminate undesirable elements in the human body. Some research findings have supported the beneficial role of phytochemicals against cancers, coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation and many other diseases. This review discussed phytochemical compounds properties of Perkia specios (PS) in Malaysia. The plants of focus are smelly legumes/stink beans; commonly grown and cultivated in Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia and in some parts of Northeastern India. The young leaves, flowers and fruits that are collected from the wild are consumed as vegetables and herbal medicines. The seeds are either eaten raw or cooked and half-ripe seeds can also be traditionally prepared as a pickle in brine. The review will be useful for future studies through current knowledge on the phytochemical elements and medicinal functions to a possible magnitude with relevant data as these plants have potential to be developed as phyto-/herbal-/botanical medicine.
Introduction: The link between daily variations of air pollution level and hospital admissions du... more Introduction: The link between daily variations of air pollution level and hospital admissions due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases is well established in temperate countries. However, more studies are essential to explore the effects of pollutants on population health in tropical climate. Objective: The objectives of the study were to determine the associations and risk estimates of daily variations of air pollutants in the Klang Valley, Malaysia with cardiovascular and respiratory admissions. Methodology: Data on daily hospital admissions for Klang Valley (2008-2010), were obtained from Health Informatics Center, MOH. Daily mean concentrations of air pollutants of particulate matter less than 10ug/m 3 (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), ozone (O 3 ), were obtained from Malaysian Department of Environment while the daily observations of meteorological conditions were from Malaysian Meteorological Department. We examined the asso...
Building and Environment, 2021
Abstract Poor indoor air quality triggered by microbiological mycotoxins is potentially harmful t... more Abstract Poor indoor air quality triggered by microbiological mycotoxins is potentially harmful to human health. Patients and healthcare workers in hospital environment are vulnerable to these contaminants. This review aims to identify related studies and profiles various fungi species and mycotoxins present in a hospital environment. This review adopted Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) to integrate the results of included studies. The identification process involves original English-language articles published from year 2000 to first quarter 2019. Articles were retrieved using two databases (Google Scholar and PubMed) and selected keywords used to describe this subject matter. All search and review processes were performed on the MS Excel Spreadsheet tool. Six stages in the methodological framework were used as an approach to ensure all relevant studies were covered in the present scoping review. 62 articles were selected to best describe indoor air quality of a hospital environment. Countries in Asia contributed the highest compared to elsewhere. This review identified mycotoxins produced by fungi species in three articles. Common fungi genera identified were Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium. Most of the fungi species were found in the hospital general area (18.3%) and in wards (16.8%). Other locations in descending order were others department, emergency department, ICU, labour room, operating theatre, NICU and laboratory. The last two decades, numerous articles on hospital indoor air quality studied in Asia and the Middle East countries. More research should be conducted on Malaysian hospitals focusing specifically on fungus producing mycotoxins in its indoor environment.
Food & Nutrition Research, 2016
British Food Journal, 2020
PurposeMalaysians are the highest seafood consumers in the region; be it fresh or processed. Envi... more PurposeMalaysians are the highest seafood consumers in the region; be it fresh or processed. Environmental pollution has put the safety of seafood at stake, heavy metals among others. This study was done to assess the health risk associated with selected heavy metals ingestion from processed seafood.Design/methodology/approachThe most preferred processed seafood type and the intake rates were determined from a cross-sectional survey among communities in Shah Alam, Selangor (n = 90). The processed seafood were then purchased from local traders (n = 81), underwent homogenization, acid digestion (0.5 g) in Multiwave 3,000 and heavy metal quantitation (Hg, Pb, Cd, As) using ICP-MS. Estimated weekly ingestion (EWI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), lifetime cancer risk (LCR), and target risk (TR) were used to estimate the risk associated with processed seafood consumption.FindingsArsenic was the highest metal detected, acetes topping the list (10.05 ± 0.02 mg/kg). Mercury was det...
Microchemical Journal, 2018
ABSTRAK Satu soal selidik telah dijalankan bertujuan untuk menilai tahap pengambilan ulam-ulaman ... more ABSTRAK Satu soal selidik telah dijalankan bertujuan untuk menilai tahap pengambilan ulam-ulaman di Negeri Selangor di kalangan 252 orang dewasa (> 17 tahun) (lelaki 28.6%, wanita 71.4%), pelbagai etnik (Melayu-51.6%; Cina-30.5%; India-17.5%) dengan umur purata 42.7 ± 13.9 tahun. Pengumpulan data pengambilan ulam-ulaman dibuat menggunakan kaedah sampel pendua 24 jam dan disertakan dengan soal selidik persepsi. Keputusan kajian ini mendapati bahawa ulam segar digemari oleh hampir semua subjek (82.1%) terutama daripada kalangan etnik Melayu (92.3%). Sebanyak 52% subjek memilih ulam celur/rebus. Faktor utama pengambilan ulam-ulaman adalah kerana khasiat yang baik kepada kesihatan serta rasanya yang enak dan unik. Ulam segar utama yang diambil oleh subjek kajian adalah mentimun (Cucumis sativus) (60.6%), kacang botol (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) (33%), pegaga (Hydrocotyle asiatica) (31.5%), daun salad (Lactuca sativa) (27.6%), petai (Parkia speciosa) (29%) dan ulam raja (Cosmos caud...
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2015
This study is to determine total mercury in edible tissues of eight species of cephalopods and 12... more This study is to determine total mercury in edible tissues of eight species of cephalopods and 12 species of crustaceans purchased from 11 identified major fish landing ports and wet markets throughout Peninsular Malaysia. The concentration of mercury was measured by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) technique using the Perkin Elmer Flow Injection Mercury System (FIMS-400). In general, the mercury levels were low with concentrations in cephalopods ranging from 0.099 to 2.715 mg/kg dry weight (or 0.0184-0.505 mg/kg wet weight) and in crustaceans ranging from 0.057 to 1.359 mg/kg dry weight (or 0.0111-0.265 mg/kg wet weight). The mercury levels showed no significant differences (P>0.05) between species for both cephalopods and crustaceans. There was no significant correlation between mercury concentrations and the body size of individual for both groups as well. Comparisons with mercury levels obtained found from other previous studies and/or species noted that they were of the same magnitude or relatively low compared to various locations reported worldwide.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2014
This study was conducted to determine the concentration of total mercury in the edible portion of... more This study was conducted to determine the concentration of total mercury in the edible portion of 46 species of marine fish (n=297) collected from selected major fish landing ports and wholesale markets throughout Peninsular Malaysia. Samples were collected in June to December 2009. Prior to analysis, the fish samples were processed which consisted of drying at 65°C until a constant weight was attained; then, it was grounded and digested by a microwave digestion system. The analytical determination was carried out by using a mercury analysis system. Total mercury concentration among fish species was examined. The results showed that mercury concentrations were found significantly higher (p<0.001) in demersal fish (the range was from 0.173 to 2.537 mg/kg in dried weight) compared to pelagic fish (which ranged from 0.055 to 2.137 mg/kg in dried weight). The mercury concentrations were also higher in carnivorous fish especially in the species with more predatory feeding habits. Besides, the family group of Latidae (0.537±0.267 mg/kg in dried weight), Dasyatidae (0.492±0.740 mg/kg in dried weight), and Lutjanidae (0.465±0.566 mg/kg in dried weight) showed significantly (p<0.001) higher mercury levels compared to other groups. Fish collected from Port Klang (0.563± 0.509 mg/kg in dry weight), Kuala Besar (0.521±0.415 mg/kg in dry weight), and Pandan (0.380±0.481 mg/kg in dry weight) were significantly higher (p=0.014) in mercury concentrations when compared to fish from other sampling locations. Total mercury levels were significantly higher (p<0.002) in bigger fish (body length >20 cm) and were positively related with fish size (length and weight) in all fish samples. Despite the results, the level of mercury in marine fish did not exceed the permitted levels of Malaysian and JECFA guideline values at 0.5 mg/kg methylmercury in fish.
Mycotoxin Research, 2012
Aflatoxins are highly toxic secondary fungal metabolites mainly produced by Aspergillus flavus an... more Aflatoxins are highly toxic secondary fungal metabolites mainly produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. Human exposure to aflatoxins may result directly from ingestion of contaminated foods, or indirectly from consumption of foods from animals previously exposed to aflatoxins in feeds. This paper focuses on exposure measurement of aflatoxins and aflatoxin metabolites in various human body fluids. Research on different metabolites present in blood, urine, breast milk, and other human fluids or tissues including their detection techniques is reviewed. The association between dietary intake of aflatoxins and biomarker measurement is also highlighted. Finally, aspects related to the differences between aflatoxin determination in food versus the biomarker approach are discussed.
Sains Malaysiana, 2004
Pencemaran makanan merupakan masalah global yang berpunca daripada aktiviti perindustrian dan per... more Pencemaran makanan merupakan masalah global yang berpunca daripada aktiviti perindustrian dan pertanian atau semasa pemprosesan atau penyimpanan makanan. Pencemaran ini akan mengakibatkan kemerosotan kesihatan kepada manusia. Terdapat ...
The selection and training of panelists for identification of earthy attributes in wild black til... more The selection and training of panelists for identification of earthy attributes in wild black tilapia was carried out using triangle test and Quantitative Descriptive Analysis procedures. Training was carried out in three stages. The first stage was the introduction to fish flavour ...
Pertanika Journal of …, 2001
Panel terlatih digunakan untuk mengenal pasti profil rasa yang merangkumi aroma, rasa dan rasa se... more Panel terlatih digunakan untuk mengenal pasti profil rasa yang merangkumi aroma, rasa dan rasa selepas ditelan bagi ikan tilapia hitam (Oreochromia mossambica). Untuk tujuan perbandingan, 2 jenis ikan laut iaitu ikan kembung (Rastrellinger kanagurta) dan ikan aya (Euthynnus affinis) dan ikan (Clarias batracus), sejenis ikan air tawar, juga dinilai. Sepuluh, dan Lapan ciri aroma, rasa dan rasa selepas ditelan telah dikenal pasti. Walau bagaimanapun, kehadiran ciri lumpur yang kuat hingga sederhana menguasai sifat aroma, rasa dan rasa selepas ditelan ikan tilapia yang juga sentiasa mendapat skor yang lebih tinggi daripada ikan keli kecuali bagi rasa selepas ditelan. Kehadiran geosmin di dalam otot ikan tilapia mungkin di dalam julat 1.0 hingga 10.0 Ilgmt l. Aroma lumpur mungkin boleh dikurangkan dengan memasak.
Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural …, 1995
Ikan keli (Clarias batrachus, Linnaeus) dan tilapia merah (Oreochromis sp.) disimpan di suhu pers... more Ikan keli (Clarias batrachus, Linnaeus) dan tilapia merah (Oreochromis sp.) disimpan di suhu persekitaran (28±2°C) untuk selama 24 jam. Sampel di nilai bagi penerimaan, perubahan kesegaran, kehadiran ketengitan dan perubahan bilangan mikrob. Ikan keli masih diterima sehingga 20 jam dan ikan tilapia selama 15 jam penyimpanan. Ketika ditolak nilai K J ialah 70.0 dan 42.7 % bagi tilapia dan keli masing-masing. Sampel ikan keli tidak melampaui bilangan mikrob 10 7 cfu/g hingga ke akhir masa penyimpanan; walaubagaimanapun, sampel tilapia telah melebihi bilangan mikrob dalam masa 20 jam.
Journal of Food Science and Nutrition Research, 2019
Plants pythochemicals are extensively known for their advantageous in health to promote biochemic... more Plants pythochemicals are extensively known for their advantageous in health to promote biochemical benefits in the area of reactions, cofactors and inhibitors of enzyme, absorbents/sequestrants that bind to and eliminate undesirable elements in the human body. Some research findings have supported the beneficial role of phytochemicals against cancers, coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation and many other diseases. This review discussed phytochemical compounds properties of Perkia specios (PS) in Malaysia. The plants of focus are smelly legumes/stink beans; commonly grown and cultivated in Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia and in some parts of Northeastern India. The young leaves, flowers and fruits that are collected from the wild are consumed as vegetables and herbal medicines. The seeds are either eaten raw or cooked and half-ripe seeds can also be traditionally prepared as a pickle in brine. The review will be useful for future studies through current knowledge on the phytochemical elements and medicinal functions to a possible magnitude with relevant data as these plants have potential to be developed as phyto-/herbal-/botanical medicine.