Second-Hand Smoke in Public Spaces: How Effective has Partial Smoke-Free Legislation Been in Malaysia?

Abidin, Emilia Zainal,Hashim, Zailina,Semple, Sean Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.11

Background: This study was performed to gather data on second-hand smoke (SHS) concentrations in a range of public venues following the implementation of partial Smoke-Free Legislation in Malaysia in 2004. Materials and Methods: $PM_{2.5}$ was measured as a marker of SHS levels in a total of 61 restaurants, entertainment centres, internet caf$\acute{e}$s and pubs in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Results: Under the current smoke-free laws smoking was prohibited in 42 of the 61 premises. Active smoking was observed in nearly one-third (n=12) of these. For premises where smoking was prohibited and no active smoking observed, the mean (standard deviation) indoor $PM_{2.5}$ concentration was 33.4 (23.8) ${\mu}g/m^3$ compared to 187.1 (135.1) ${\mu}g/m^3$ in premises where smoking was observed The highest mean $PM_{2.5}$ was observed in pubs [361.5 (199.3) ${\mu}g/m^3$]. Conclusions: This study provides evidence of high levels of SHS across a range of hospitality venues, including about one-third of those where smoking is prohibited, despite 8 years of smoke-free legislation. Compliance with the legislation appeared to be particularly poor in entertainment centres and internet caf$\acute{e}$s. Workers and non-smoking patrons continue to be exposed to high concentrations of SHS within the hospitality industry in Malaysia and there is an urgent need for increased enforcement of existing legislation and consideration of more comprehensive laws to protect health.

Autophagy Dysregulation and Obesity-Associated Pathologies

Sim, Namkoong,Cho, Chun-Seok,Semple, Ian,Lee, Jun Hee Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology 2018 Molecules and cells Vol.41 No.1

Autophagy is one of the major degradative mechanisms that can eliminate excessive nutrients, toxic protein aggregates, damaged organelles and invading microorganisms. In response to obesity and obesity-associated lipotoxic, proteotoxic and oxidative stresses, autophagy plays an essential role in maintaining physiological homeostasis. However, obesity and its associated stress insults can often interfere with the autophagic process through various mechanisms, which result in further aggravation of obesity-related metabolic pathologies in multiple metabolic organs. Paradoxically, inhibition of autophagy, within specific contexts, indirectly produces beneficial effects that can alleviate several detrimental consequences of obesity. In this minireview, we will provide a brief discussion about our current understanding of the impact of obesity on autophagy and the role of autophagy dysregulation in modulating obesity-associated pathological outcomes.

Thermal stability of biochar and its effects on cadmium sorption capacity

Qi, Fangjie,Yan, Yubo,Lamb, Dane,Naidu, Ravi,Bolan, Nanthi S.,Liu, Yanju,Ok, Yong Sik,Donne, Scott W.,Semple, Kirk T. Elsevier Applied Science 2017 Bioresource technology Vol.246 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>In this study, the thermal stability of a wood shaving biochar (WS, 650°C), a chicken litter biochar (CL, 550°C) and an activated carbon (AC, 1100°C) were evaluated by combustion at 375°C for 24h to remove the labile non-carbonized organic matter. Results showed that WS and CL biochars were not thermally stable and can lose most of the organic C during combustion. The combusted WS and CL biochars retained considerable amounts of negative charge and displayed higher sorption for Cd (from 5.46 to 68.9mg/g for WS and from 48.5 to 60.9mg/g for CL). The AC retained 76.5% of its original C and became more negatively chargely after combustion, but its sorption for Cd slightly decreased (from 18.5 to 14.9mg/g). This study indicated that after potential burning in wildfires (200–500°C), biochars could have higher sorption capacity for metals by remaining minerals.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Moderate temperature (550–650°C) biochars contained mostly labile organic C (OC). </LI> <LI> Biochar OC was not thermally stable and easily oxidized by wildfire (200–500°C). </LI> <LI> Combusted (375°C) biochars were mineral dominant and negatively charged. </LI> <LI> Biochar combustion residues showed a higher and stronger sorption capacity for Cd. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Implementation of Smoke-free Legislation in Malaysia: Are Adolescents Protected from Respiratory Health Effects?

Zulkifli, Aziemah,Abidin, Najihah Zainol,Abidin, Emilia Zainal,Hashim, Zailina,Rahman, Anita Abd,Rasdi, Irniza,Syed Ismail, Sharifah Norkhadijah,Semple, Sean Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.12

Background: This study aimed to examine the relationship between respiratory health of Malaysian adolescents with secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and smoke-free legislation (SFL) implementation. Materials and Methods: A total of 898 students from 21 schools across comprehensive- and partial-SFL states were recruited. SHS exposures and respiratory symptoms were assessed via questionnaire. Prenatal and postnatal SHS exposure information was obtained from parental-completed questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was: 11.9% ever wheeze, 5.6% current wheeze, 22.3% exercise-induced wheeze, 12.4% nocturnal cough, and 13.1% self-reported asthma. SHS exposure was most frequently reported in restaurants. Hierarchical logistic regression indicates living in a comprehensive-SFL state was not associated with a lower risk of reporting asthma symptoms. SHS exposure in public transport was linked to increased risk for wheeze (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 16.6; 95%confidence interval (CI), 2.69-101.7) and current wheezing (AOR 24.6; 95%CI, 3.53-171.8). Conclusions: Adolescents continue to be exposed to SHS in a range of public venues in both comprehensive- and partial-SFL states. Respiratory symptoms are common among those reporting SHS exposure on public transportation. Non-compliance with SFL appears to be frequent in many venues across Malaysia and enforcement should be given priority in order to reduce exposure.

Effects of acidic and neutral biochars on properties and cadmium retention of soils

Qi, Fangjie,Dong, Zhaomin,Lamb, Dane,Naidu, Ravi,Bolan, Nanthi S.,Ok, Yong Sik,Liu, Cuixia,Khan, Naser,Johir, M.A.H.,Semple, Kirk T. Elsevier 2017 CHEMOSPHERE - Vol.180 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>In this study, an acidic biochar and a neutral biochar were applied at 5 wt% into two soils for an 11-month incubation experiment. One Ferrosol soil (Ba) was slightly acidic with low organic matter and the other Dermosol soil (Mt) was slightly alkaline with high organic matter. The acidic (pH = 3.25) wood shaving (WS) biochar had no marked impact on nutrient levels, cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH and acid neutralization capacity (ANC) of either soil. By contrast, the neutral (pH = 7.00) chicken litter (CL) biochar significantly increased major soluble nutrients, pH, ANC of soil Ba. In terms of C storage, 87.9% and 69.5% WS biochar-C can be sequestrated as TOC by soil Ba and Mt, respectively, whereas only 24.0% of CL biochar-C stored in soil Ba and negligible amount in Mt as TOC. Biochars did not have significant effects on soil sorption capacity and sorption reversibility except that CL biochar increased sorption of soil Ba by around 25.4% and decreased desorption by around 50.0%. Overall, the studied acidic C rich WS biochar held little agricultural or remedial values but was favourable for C sequestration. The neutral mineral rich CL biochar may provide short-term agricultural benefit and certain sorption capacities of lower sorption capacity soils, but may be unlikely to result in heightened C sequestration in soils. This is the first study comprehensively examining functions of acidic and neutral biochars for their benefits as a soil amendment and suggests the importance of pre-testing biochars for target purposes prior to their large scale production.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The C rich acidic biochar did not work for nutrients supply or Cd retention but helped in storing C. </LI> <LI> The neutral mineral rich biochar enhanced nutrient and sorption for some soils. </LI> <LI> Neutral mineral rich biochar hardly increased soil C after 11 months. </LI> </UL> </P>