Purpose of Review
South Asia is one of the epicenters of the global diabetes pandemic. Diabetes in south Asians has certain peculiar features with respect to its pathophysiology, clinical ...presentation, and management. This review aims to summarize some of the recent evidence pertaining to the distinct diabetes phenotype in south Asians.
Recent Findings
South Asia has high incidence and prevalence rates of diabetes. The progression from “pre-diabetes” to diabetes also occurs faster in this population. Pancreatic beta cell dysfunction seems to be as important as insulin resistance in the pathophysiology of diabetes in south Asians. Recent evidence suggests that the epidemic of diabetes in south Asia is spreading to rural areas and to less affluent sections of society.
Summary
Diabetes in south Asians differs significantly from that in white Caucasians, with important implications for prevention, diagnosis, and management.
Detailed mapping of indoor and outdoor terrestrial gamma radiation dose (TGRD) rate at Curtin University campus (Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia) shows rates ranging from 50 to 150 nGy/h with an average of ...89.8 nGy/h. Indoor locations with artificial ground cover have on average 37% higher TGRD rates compared to outdoor sites. The spatial influence of building materials on the ambient TGRD rates is clear. The annual effective dose is 0.65 mSv which is well within guidelines indicating there is no radiation risk to campus residents. Of this, 0.15 mSv is due to building materials, of which tiles have the highest contribution.
This study aims to explore the state-wise assessment of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic spread in Malaysia with focus on influence of meteorological parameters and air quality. In this study, ...state-wise COVID-19 data, meteorological parameters and air quality index (AQI) were collected from March 13 to April 30, 2020, which encompass three movement control order (MCO) periods in the country. Overall, total infected cases were observed to be higher in MCO phase 1 and 2 and significantly reduced in MCO phase 3. Due to the variation in the spatial interval of population density and individual immunity, the relationship of these parameters to pandemic spread could not be achieved. The study infers that temperature (T) between 23 and 25 °C and relative humidity (RH) (70–80%) triggered the pandemic spread by increase in the infected cases in northern and central Peninsular Malaysia. Selangor, WP Kuala Lumpur and WP Putrajaya show significantly high infected cases and a definite trend was not observed with respect to a particular meteorological factor. It is identified that high precipitation (PPT), RH and good air quality have reduced the spread in East Malaysia. A negative correlation of T and AQI and positive correlation of RH with total infected cases were found during MCO phase 3. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that T, RH, PPT, dew point (DP) and AQI are the main controlling factors for the spread across the country apart from social distancing. Vulnerability zones were identified based on the spatial analysis of T, RH, PPT and AQI with reference to total infected cases. Based on time series analysis, it was determined that higher RH and T in Peninsular Malaysia and high amount of PPT, RH and good air quality in East Malaysia have controlled the spreading during MCO phase 3. The predominance of D614 mutant was observed prior to March and decreases at the end of March, coinciding with the fluctuation of meteorological factors and air quality. The outcome of this study gives a general awareness to the public on COVID-19 and the influence of meteorological factors. It will also help the policymakers to enhance the management plans against the pandemic spreading apart from social distancing in the next wave of COVID-19.
The main purpose of this study is to assess the urban lake water quality along the coastal region of Miri City, Sarawak, East Malaysia. This study concentrates on the hydrochemical characteristics ...and the mechanisms controlling the suitability of the lakes for domestic, irrigation, and industrial purposes. A total of 15 lake water samples were collected and analysed for physical parameters, major ions, nutrients, BOD, COD, and heavy metals. The results show that Lakes 6, 7, and 8 commonly exceeded the National Drinking Water Quality Standards (NDWQS) limits, particularly in physical parameters and major ions. The cation dominance was Na
+
> Mg
2+
> K
+
> Ca
2+
, while the anion dominance was Cl
−
> HCO
3
−
> SO
4
2−
. It is inferred that lake 8 was affected by the seawater intrusion through the inlet flow, resulting in an excess concentration of ions present in that lake. The concentrations of heavy metals in these lakes were considerably low, indicating that most of them were from the geogenic source. Most of the lakes were NaCl water type and the main controlling mechanism were weathering and ionic exchange processes, with anthropogenic impacts. Based on the calculated Water Quality Index (WQI) according to the National Water Quality Standards (NWQS), all lakes were suitable for irrigation use (class IV), while most of these lakes fell under the “polluted” index. Apart from that, based on the National Lake Water Quality Standards (NLWQS), all lakes were classified under category D, indicating that the lakes must be kept in good condition. According to the irrigation quality indices, lakes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were the most suitable for irrigation purposes. As for metal pollution indices (HPI and HEI), lakes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 15 were considered safe with low pollution status. From the multivariate statistical analysis, it is deduced that both anthropogenic and geogenic impacts mostly influenced the quality of these lake waters. The outcome of this study will help the policymakers under the national water department in sustainable management of water resources in this region.
Microplastics (MPs) pollution has gained a lot of global interests due to its toxicity to the surrounding ecosystems. The aim of this study is to identify the abundances, physical characteristics, ...polymer type and elemental composition of MPs in beach sediments of Miri coast, located in Sarawak State, East Malaysia. A total of 1553 particles from 24 sediment samples, collected from eight different beaches along Miri coastline were identified. MPs from the sediments were extracted using density separation method and analyzed through stereoscopic microscope, ATR-FTIR and SEM-EDX. MPs were present most abundant in Lutong Beach, which is the hotspot for the recreational activities. Fragments were identified as the highest abundance type of MPs, followed by fiber, foam and pellet. MPs of size of <1 mm were predominantly present in the samples. Varieties of colors were distinguished in which transparent or no color MPs were the highest quantity studied in the samples. Polymers identified were mainly polyethylene (PE), polyester (PET), polystyrene (PS) and polypropylene (PP), derived from primary and secondary MPs. Carbon and oxygen were dominant and have the highest concentration identified with other elements such as Ca, Al, Ti and Cl. The primary use of these elements as additives are associated with the manufacturing process as they are used to enhance the quality during plastic production. The outcome of this study is to be the first report to identify and characterize the MPs in beach sediments of Miri coast. The occurrence of MPs in Miri beaches may negatively impact marine organisms as this affects their food chain. As consumers, humans are most likely to be affected by the presence of MPs due to their consumption of marine animals, particularly fish present in this region.
Display omitted
•First attempt to characterize microplastics (MPs) in Miri beach sediments.•Highest abundance of fragments with the size of <1 mm.•Dominant polymer type - polyethylene, is derived from plastic containers/bottles.•Al, Ti and Ca in MPs may impact the marine ecosystem through food chain.•Recreational and fishing activities are major contributors to MPs' abundance.
In this study, estuarine water samples were collected at diverse hot spots in Miri River Estuary, East Malaysia to appraise the geochemical processes, which controls the river water quality. The ...collected water samples were analysed for various physicochemical parameters (insitu parameters, nutrients, major ions and trace metals), including stable isotopes (oxygen and hydrogen). Suspended solids are also extracted from the water samples and analysed for trace metals. Standard graphs, Piper plot, Gibbs diagram, water quality indices, geochemical modelling and statistical analysis were used for the data analysis. The acquired water quality data was compared with national and international guidelines for the suitability of water for various purposes. Interpretation of data reveals that the estuarine water quality is deemed unsuitable to be used for both drinking and irrigation purposes. Overall, the elemental concentrations are increasing from downstream to river mouth. Based on pollution indices (HEI and Cd), downstream region shows high vulnerability to metal pollution due to anthropogenic disturbance. Isotope values of river water indicate direct atmospheric precipitation with minimal evaporation. Factor analysis reveals that seawater influx, urban pollution, domestic and agricultural discharges at the downstream region are the main controlling factors to the river water quality. It is also deduced that suspended solids play a vital role in the adsorption and desorption of trace metals in the estuarine water. The outcome of this study provides a comprehensive information on pollution status of Miri estuary, which helps the policy makers to practice sustainable management of this water resource for Miri community.
Display omitted
•Elemental concentration increased from downstream to river mouth of Miri Estuary.•Downstream of the river is highly vulnerable to metal loading.•Trace metals have higher affinity towards suspended solids compared with water.•Isotopic signature reveals precipitation dominance with less evaporation.•Seawater influx, urban pollution and nutrient inputs control the river water quality.
A comprehensive geochemical study was conducted in the Sibuti River estuary by considering water, suspended solids (SS), and sediment samples from 36 stations during southwest monsoon (SWM) and ...northeast monsoon (NEM). In this study, the distribution of in situ parameters, major ions, nutrients, trace metals, and isotopes (δD, δ
18
O) were analyzed in water samples, whereas sediments and SS were studied for trace metals. The distribution revealed that suspended solids were the major carrier of Cd, Zn, and Mn, whereas sediments worked as a major source of Co, Cr, Ba, Se, Cu, and Pb. Na-Cl water type and ion exchange dominated the lower part of the estuary during both seasons. However, the mixed mechanism of Ca–Cl, Ca–Mg–Cl, and higher weathering indicated reverse ion exchange in the intermediate and upper parts of the estuary. Isotopic signatures of δD and δ
18
O in estuarine water indicate that the precipitation over the Limbang area dominates during SWM, whereas higher evaporation was confirmed during NEM. The factor analysis revealed that seawater influence in the estuary majority controlled the water chemistry irrespective of seasons. Major ions were mainly regulated by the tidal influence during the low flow time of the river (SWM), whereas the mixing mechanism of weathering and seawater controlled the concentrations during NEM. Nutrients such as NO
3
, SO
4
2−
, NH
3
, and NH
4
+
mainly originated from the agricultural fields and nitrification along with ammonification were responsible for the recycling of such nutrients. Trace metals except Cd were found to be geogenic in nature and originating mainly from the oxidation of pyrites present in the sandstone and mudstones of the Sibuti Formation. Redox condition was catalyzed by microorganisms near the river mouth, whereas Al-oxyhydroxides and Fe-oxyhydroxides complexes in the intermediate and upper part under oxygenated conditions controlled the absorption of metals. Overall, the estuary was found to be absorptive in nature due to ideal pH conditions and was confirmed by the saturation index (SI) of minerals.
Groundwater chemistry is mainly governed by lithological variations, space and resident time. In addition, hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater in the lithological contact zones are too ...complex. Hence, Cretaceous–Tertiary (KT) boundary from Ariyalur district, Tamilnadu, India, was selected for this study to identify the hydrogeochemistry of groundwater. This study includes 284 groundwater samples from four different seasons (pre-monsoon, post-monsoon, southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon). Groundwater samples were collected and analysed for major cations and anions, including physical parameters using standard procedures. High electrical conductivity (EC) showed the longer residence time of groundwater in hard rock region at the central and southern part of the study area. Ca
2+
, Na
+
, Cl
−
and HCO
3
−
are the dominant ions in all the four seasons. The seasonal composition migration was observed from Na–Ca–Cl–HCO
3
type to Na–Mg–Cl–HCO
3
type, and Ca-HCO
3
is the predominant water type in piper plot. Interpretation of data reveals that the groundwater quality was unsuitable for domestic and irrigation purposes during pre- and southwest monsoon seasons. Rock–water interaction and dissolution of minerals are the main sources of groundwater chemistry. Agriculture activities during monsoonal seasons also play a role in controlling the hydrogeochemistry of groundwater in this region.
The current study aims to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of microplastics (MPs) in the Miri coast, targeting their occurrences, characterisation, and potential sources. For a periodical ...study, coastal sediments were collected from three different time intervals (monsoon, post-monsoon, and post-COVID) and subjected to stereomicroscope, ATR-FTIR, and SEM-EDX analyses. These results show a significant increase of MPs in post-COVID samples by approximately 218% and 148% comparatively with monsoon and post-monsoon samples, respectively. The highest concentration of MPs was detected near the river mouths and industrial areas where the waste discharge rate and anthropogenic activities dominate. Fibre-type MPs are the most abundant, with an average of nearly 64%, followed by fragments, films, microbeads, and foams. The most dominant polymer types were polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyester (PET). Overall, the current study shows a better understanding of MPs occurrence and potential sources in the Miri coastal area.
Sediments were collected from 36 sites along the estuary of the Sibuti River in Sarawak, Malaysia, during the South-west and North-east monsoons, and then subjected to metal fractionation for Pb, Cd, ...Mn, Ba, Zn, Se, Co, Fe, Cu, Al and Cr. Metal concentrations were analyzed for 5 different fractions using the sequential extraction method. Pb, Mn and Cd possessed the greatest mobility, while major percentage of metals found were associated with residual fraction of sediments. Cd, Se and Cr, Fe were found dominantly associated with the carbonate and reducible fractions respectively, whereas Zn was found highly associated with oxidizable fraction of sediments. The factor analysis showed that the absorption of Mn in the upper part of estuary and most of the transition of metals in both seasons was regulated by the synthesis of Mn-oxyhydroxides catalyzed by microorganisms. On the other hand, association of organic matter with Fe and Al-oxyhydroxides work as major mechanism for absorption and settlement in intermediate and lower part of the estuary. Despite being associated with exchangeable fraction, Mn was found to be from geogenic sources along with all other metals except Cd, which is believed to be sourcing from agricultural lands. Ecological risk indices suggest that estuarine sediment is highly contaminated with Se, Co, Cu, Cd and pose considerable to very high risk at 90 % of the stations. Such enrichment is mainly resulting from the oxidation of metals from pyrite concretions and shale beds found in Sibuti and Lambir formations of the river basin. ERL and ERM values suggest Cu and Cr pose maximum threat towards the sediment dwelling living organisms. RAC reported Cd, Mn, Ba and Se in high risk category due to their potential to mobilize frequently, whereas Al, Fe and Cr present no risk towards benthic community.
Display omitted
•Fractionation and distribution of metals studied in Sibuti River Estuary, Sarawak.•Fe and Al-oxyhydroxides controlled the absorption of metals in sediments.•Enrichment of metals results from leaching of shale and pyrite concretions, except Cd.•Cd, Mn, Ba and Se pose the highest risk due to their potential mobility.
PDF
