Search

Present study concerns the radiological character of Malaysian honey. A total of 18 samples (representative of the various most common types) were obtained from various honey bee farms throughout the country. Using a high-purity germanium γ-ray spectroscopic system, the samples were analysed for the naturally occurring radionuclides 226Ra, 228Ra and 40K. The respective range of activities (in Bq/kg) was: 3.49 ± 0.35 to 4.51 ± 0.39, 0.99 ± 0.37 to 1.74 ± 0.39 and 41.37 ± 3.26 to 105.02 ± 6.91. The estimated associated committed effective doses were derived from prevailing data on national consumption of honey, the annual dose being found low compared with the UNSCEAR reference dose limit of 290 μSv y−1. The estimated threshold consumption rate for honey indicates a maximum intake of 339 g/d, which poses an insignificant radiological risk to public health; however, the total dietary exposure may not, the guidance level of 290 μSv y−1 being applicable to dietary intake of all foodstuffs. The study is in support of the cultivation of a healthy lifestyle, acknowledging prevailing radioactivity within the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : Identifying risk factors in patients with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance Kawasaki disease (KD) is vital in managing and preventing coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs). We aimed to study the risk factors for IVIG resistance KD in Malaysian children. Methods : This retrospective observational study of children with KD was conducted at two tertiary hospitals in Malaysia from January 2014 to December 2019. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors associated with IVIG resistance. Results : A total of 174 patients, 118 males (67.8%) with a median age of 1.4-year-old (interquartile range: 0.1--12.1-year-old), were analyzed. Early (<5 days) and late (>10 days) IVIG treatments were observed in 14 (8.1%) and 19 (11.0%), respectively. Thirty-two patients (18.4%) had IVIG resistance. The independent factors associated with IVIG resistance were high white cell count, hypoalbuminemia, and extremities changes with an odd ratio of 4.7, 3.0, and 4.0, respectively. In addition, CAA was significantly higher in IVIG resistance compared to IVIG responder patients (57.5% [19/33] vs. 23.4% [33/141], P < 0.001). The sensitivity was high in Harada (93.8%) but low in Kobayashi and Egami (46.9% and 34.4%, respectively). The specificity was high with Egami (79.6%) but low in Harada and Kobayashi (22.5% and 64.1%, respectively). Conclusion : Leukocytosis, hypoalbuminemia, and extremities changes were independent risk factors for IVIG resistance. The variation in sensitivity and specificity of the Japanese scoring makes it unsuitable for predicting IVIG resistance in Malaysian children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accompanying the busy lifestyles of modern Malaysia, coffee is becoming one of the nations' most popular stimulating drinks. In association with nutrients uptake, natural radionuclides in soil are also being taken up by the coffee plant, subsequently appearing in the human body through consumption of coffee. Present study concerns the assessment of the natural radionuclides 226Ra, 228Ra, and 40K in roasted ground and instant coffee consumed in Malaysia. A total of 12 sampled brands of coffee, originating from seven different countries including Malaysia, were collected from various supermarkets in Kuala Lumpur. The samples were analyzed by HPGe γ-ray spectrometry, obtaining a range of activities (in Bq/kg) 6.4 ± 1.3–21.4 ± 2.4, 6.6 ± 1.8–47.9 ± 10.6, and 220 ± 12–1510 ± 72 for 226Ra, 228Ra and 40K respectively. The annual committed effective dose estimate from such coffee consumption was found to be in the range 13.2–55.7 μSv/y, low in comparison with the UNSCEAR (2000) reference dose guidance limit of 290 μSv/y. The estimated threshold coffee consumption rates indicates a guidance limitation for Sample L of not more than 21 g/d (some 2 cups/d) to avoid deleterious health effect. While the presently sampled coffee brands do not represent a public concern in terms of radiological risk, cumulative daily dietary exposures from other or present brands may not be totally negligible because of the UNSCEAR reference limit is due to the contribution from all natural sources. Thus, periodic monitoring of radiation levels in coffee is suggested to be of importance. • Information on the distribution and enrichment of radionuclides in coffee found to be sparse. • Addressed in investigating 12 popular brands of coffee from seven countries, assessed for U-, Ra- and K- content. • Committed effective dose from their consumption low compared to UNSCEAR guidance limit of 290 μSv/y. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]