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Item Age related changes of the lumber spine and a study of causes and predisposing factors from low backache(University of Kelaniya: UK(MED)., 2002) KARUNANAYAKE, ALChronic low backache is an important health problem amongst Sri Lankans. The present study was undertaken to [i) determine the causes and risk factors for low backache.[ii) to describe age related changes in the number of cartilage cells in lumbar discs, intima media thickness of lumbar arteries and atherosclerosis of abdominal aorta and lumbar artery openings. I. [iii) to determine the association between such changes in the lumbar arteries and in the abdominal aorta with the number of cartilage cells in lumbar discs. iv) to describe the gross anatomical features of lumbar arteries. Initially, a case control study was carried out among 459 cases (patients with low backache) and 502 controls. Data was collected using a pretested structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Poor posture (OR=128.2), lack of exercise (24.5), positive family history (OR=16.2), education to less than the sixth grade (OR=2.2), daily alcohol consumption (OR =3.4), BMI\>24.9 (OR=1.5) and monthly income of more than Rs.20,000 (OR=2.6) were found to be significant independent risk factors for low backache. Another case control study was done on 130 cases (patients with low backache) and 133 controls assessing postero-anterior and lateral radiographs of the lumbar-sacral spine. Disc space narrowing (OR=16.9) and an Antero Posterior ratio of lumbar vertebra less than 0.9 (OR =10.1) were found to be significantly associated with low backache. Vertebral osteophytes and spondylolisthesis were not significantly associated with low backache. A descriptive cross sectional study was done on 31 adult postmortem specimens. Histological sections of the fourth lumbar discs and fourth lumbar arteries were prepared. The number of cartilage cells in lumbar discs (r= -0.45) and Intima Media Thickness (IMT) of lumbar arteries (r=-0.74) had a significant negative association with age. When compared to individuals under 43 years (median age of sample), individuals over this age were 12.5 times more likely to have atherosclerotic changes in abdominal aorta and lumbar artery openings. IMT of lumbar arteries and atherosclerotic changes in lumbar arteries did not have a significant association with the number of cartilage cells in the intervertebral discs when age was taken into account. Dissections were done on 109 adult cadavers to describe gross anatomical features of lumbar arteries. First to the fourth pair of lumbar arteries arose from a common single stem in 12 percent of cadavers and passed anterior to the crura of the diaphragm in 17 percent. There were several variations in the gross anatomical features of lumbar arteries from what is described in the literature. According to results of the present study, risk factors for backache among Sri Lankans are similar to risk factors found in other countries. In this study vertebral osteophytes and spondylolisthesis were not significantly associated with low backache. The present study was able to identify a new cut off value for A/P ratio that had a significant association with low backache, and for the first time demonstrate an association between the number of cartilage cells in annulus fibrosus and age of the subject. Several gross anatomical variations of lumbar arteries found in this study have also not been documented previously.Item Bauddha ha batahira mano chikithsaka krama pilibanda adhayanayak(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 1989) WIMALAWANSA, thera PARAGODAItem Chemical and microbiological studies on some medicinal plants in Sri lanka(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 1997) PERERA, TASChemical studies on six medicinal plants of Sri Lanka namely Kaempferia galanga, Hibiscus abelmoschus, Piper longum, Anamirta cocculus , Berberis aristata and Coscinium fenestratum are reported in this thesis, Antimicrobial studies on K. galanga, H. abelmoschus, P. longum and A. cocculus were carried out. The variation in the volatile oil contents in the rhizome and root of Kaempferia galanga(Zingiberaceae) with maturity as well as the percentage of the constituents present in each of these oils were determined by GC. The one year old rhizomes and two years old roots gave the highest yields of oil. The plants cultivated under coconut trees showed a higher rhizome oil content and lower root oil content than those grown in the open area. Major compounds of this oil were identified as ethyl cinnamate and ethyl p-methoxycinnamate. In rhizome oil the percentage of ethyl p-methoxycinnamate decreased with maturity while the percentage of ethyl cinnamate increased. In root oil the percentages of both compounds increased with maturity. Microbiological studies of this oil indicated that both these oils have shows antibacterial and antifungal activities. GC-MS studies showed that famesyl acetate was the major compound in the seed oil of Hibiscus abelmoschus (Malvaceae) grown in Sri Lanka. Previously unreported 2,3dihydrofamasene was identified by GC-MS from the oil. Although the seed oil showed antibacterial activity, it didn't show any antifungal activity. The piperine content in various parts of Piper longum (Piperaceae) plant, and its variation with maturity in the berries were studied by HPLC analysis. The results of this study shows piperine content in the local berries was lower than that reported for those from India. Further it was found that not only the berries but also roots, stems and leaves of local plant contain considerable amount of piperine. This study also indicates that the local berries gave the highest piperine content at the age of 2 months and the plants cultivated under coconut trees have higher piperine content than those from the open cultivation. GC-MS analysis of the essential oil of P.longum showed that it contained at least 76 compounds .Of these twenty were identified by mass spectral data.The compounds identified were alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, limonene, l-ethenyl-4 methoxybenzene,4 methyl-l-( I-methylethyl)-3-cyclohexen-l-ol,linalyl propanoate,3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadien-l-ol,2 undecanone,eugenol, l-ethenyl -1-methyl-2,4-bis (1 methylethyl) cyclohexane, caryophyllene,7, ll-dimethyl-3-methylene-l ,6,10-dodecatiene, 1, 1 ,4,8-tetramethyl-4,7, 10-cycloundecatriene, 3,7,II-trimethyl-l,6,10-dodecatrien-3-0l,caryophyllene oxide, methyl eicosonate, 8-heptadecene, tetradecanal, methyl hexadecanoate, hexadecanoic acid. The oil also showed marked antibacterial activity. Caseiniurn fenestraturn (Menispermaceae) is the plant which serves as the source of berberine in Sri Lanka in place of Berberis aristata (Berberidaceae) which is very rare in Sri Lanka but common in India. Berberine content in the two plants were- determined by HPLC. This study indicates that C. fenestraum has a higher berberine content than B. aristata found in Sri Lanka. Berberine content in the stem bark of commercial samples of C. fenestraurn purchased from the markets in Pettah was higher than those grown in Sri lanka. Tetrahydroberberine was characterised from the alkaloid of C. fenestrtum. Total alkaloid content in the leaves of A. cocclus (Menispermaceae) aws higher than in the stems. The triterpenoid 21-beta moretenone was charctersed from the stem and leaf extracts of A. cocclus. This is the first report of this compound from A. cocclus. Microbiological studies carried out on the stem and leaf extracts of A. cocclus showed that both extracts showed antibacterial activity but no antifungal activity.Item Chemical studies on some Myristica spp. and Curcuma longa(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 1987) COORAY, NFThis thesis is comprised of two parts. Part I of the thesis deals firstly with chemistry of the phenolics of M.dactyloides seed kernel.A new arylalkanone, 1-(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-9-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)nonan-1-one and five other ary]alkanones namely 1-(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)tetradecan-1-one and malabaricone A-D were isolated for the first time from M.dactyloides seed kernel. Apart from 1-(2,6 dihydroxyphenyl)-tetradecan-1-one and malabaricone A, the other four compounds are reported for the first time from M.dactyloides. Oleic (27.7 percent) and myristic (18.1 percent) acids were found to be the major components in the fatty acids of M.dactyloides. Since the phenolics and fatty acids were found to be different to that of M. fragrans these two parameters could be used to detect the adulteration of nutmeg with M.dactyloides. Antibacterial studies revealed that except 1-(2,6-dihydroxy phenyl tetradecan-1-one other compounds at a level of 5 mg ml-l were effective against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. All compounds at the same concentration had no effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Secondly, variation of the yield and chemical composition of the nutmeg oil with agro-ecological conditions were studied during the major and minor harvesting seasons. Results showed that the physical parameters (optical rotation and refractive index) of the nutmeg oil from different agro-ecological zones were not significantly different. If the chemical composition of the oils are compared, it is found except in the zones of WM2 and WM!, there are no significant variation depending on the agro-ecological zones. Oils from WM1 (92.0 percent) contains more monterpenes than that of WM2 (78.9 percent). Part II of the study deals with the effect of maturity on some chemical constituents of turmeric rhizome. The variation of curcumins (I, II, III) content with maturity monitored by TLC-UV spectrophotometry and a technique based on TLC-UV densitometry developed during this study. The ratios of curcumins 1:11:111 in Sri Lankan turmeric was found to be approximately 9:3:4. Maturity did not affect this ratio. Advanced maturity resulted in a decline in curcumin content (percent w/w). Maximum curcumin per bush was attained about 9 month after planting. Curcumin content in mother rhizome was found to be slightly lower than that of fingers Essential oil content and composition varied significantly with maturity, sesquiterpenes (particularly turmerone and ar-turmerone) increased with maturity while monoterpenes (notably 1,8- cineole and alpha-phellandrene) declined in both mother sets and finger rhizomes. The optimum time for harvest to obtain maximum yield of essential oil was found to be 7.5 - 8.0 months.Item Contribution of communication media in prevention of AIDS and sexually transmitted infections in Sri Lanka(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 2006) RANATUNGA, KMDThis research studies the contribution of communication media in prevention of HIVI AIDS and sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Sri Lanka, aiming at a constructive criticism 'on the role of communication media in the prevention of AIDS and STI in Sri Lanka. Methodological approaches employed in the research as follows. Literature survey was conducted regarding the researches on issues of commercial sex workers nationally and internationally. Literature available on the role of media related to HIV/AIDS prevention in Sri Lanka was limited. There ware few researches on the behaviour patterns of commercial sex workers by Professor Nandasena Rathnapala, but the role of media in portraying sexuality have not been found locally. There were few researches conducted in other Asian countries and they supported to develop the methodology with the thoughts gathered through brain storming sessions conducted with group of expertise. The brain storming sessions were conducted with few sociologists who are having exposure to this field, medical doctors who are working for HIV I AIDS prevention programmes, commercial sex workers and non governmental organizations (NGO) which are working with commercial sex workers. These discussions and findings of literature survey led to formation of the questionnaire, designing the project, and identifying the important points which are critical in prevention of HIV I AIDS. Trained interviewers administered the questionnaire to a sample of 41 sex workers. While the questionnaire used for this research suited the small number of participants, it is paramount that the questionnaire should cover broader issues. The questionnaire collected quantitative data on the demographic, economic status and usage of media. Building up a rapport with the sex workers and gaining confidence were some of the problems that the interviewer faced in the field. Many sex workers were reluctant to reveal accurate information on their age and duration in the profession. SPSS package was used in data entry. analysis and tabulation. Information gathered through this process employed in developing Communication model. Sample of the research was a group of relatively young female aging 17 to 32 years and a majority 68.4 percent. being married. The unmarried females also had pregnancies and some of them were delivered but some have terminated the pregnancy. 57.8 percent of the subjects read news papers and Birinda was the popular news paper among them. 82 percent of them watch television and 63 percent listen to radio, but could not spare enough time to those due to the busy nature of their profession. Almost all of they knew about condoms, but condom usage is 61 percent. 66 percent of them were infected with STls showing the vulnerability . to HIV infection among them. While the research could not pinpoint exactly which media should be used to address the commercial sex workers and it suggests the importance of a multimedia approach. The research also studies the socio- economical, educational and cultural backgrounds of the sex workers in order to create a communication model that will suit the needs of these women. The communication model is geared to make sustainable behavioural changes with emphasis on concise, precise and simple information. The communication model lays emphasis on advocating policy makers to create a friendly environment for commercial sex workers. This suggests formation of a national policy which will not penalize the integrity and the emotions of these much stigmatized and exploited group. Commercial sex workers are considered as a strong stakeholder in preventing the spread of HJV/AIDS in any setting. An effective communication strategy targeted to the media habits of this group is needed to educate them to minimize the.exposure to HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infection. Further. the communication model lays emphasis on creating a sustainable behavioural change not only among sex workers but among secondary target groups such as the clients of CSWs as well as policy makers.Item Development of speech skills in mentally retarded children having speech problems: A study of children with Down's syndrome(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 2002) WIJESEKARA, GJSThe aim of this study is to gain a knowledge of the development of speech skills of mentally retarded children who live in Sinhala speaking society. A research of the language abilities of all mentally retarded children is a vast area. Hence this research has been limited only to the speech skills in mentally retarded children with Down's syndrome. The results of this research are explained in five chapters. Findings of many scholars on mental retardation are stated in the first chapter. This chapter also includes a brief explanation of the communication process, condition of mental retardation, measures of mental retardation and the causes attributed to their language disorders. The methodology of this research too, is included in it. The analysis of their phonological problems has been emphasized in the second chapter. Sounds that children are able to produce and articulatory problems that they face have been analyzed concerning each child separately. Recognized abilities on morphological production of children with Down's syndrome and their difficulties that exist in this field have been analyzed in the third chapter. Various syntactic features produced by children with Down's syndrome are explained in the fourth chapter. In the fifth chapter, it has been explained how children with Down's syndrome develop language skills. The abilities of language, speech production, perception and comprehension have been stressed in this chapter.Item Focus sentences in child language(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 2002) RANASINGHE, CSThis work is based on a research I conducted for my M. phil in University of Kelaniya. The aim of this research is to provide an introduction to child language acquisition and analyses an important sentence structure, namely focus sentences (emphatic sentences with emphatic meaning) in Sinhala child language, based on some concepts of GB theory. This thesis consists of six chapters including a conclusion. Data collection is also provided at the end of the book. Because I selected four children covering the whole language acquisition period, there may be slight differences between the counterparts of words in my data collection. But I did not consider such morphological difference in this research. Only their syntactic context is concentrated upon.Chapter one consists of an approach to the study. Here I introduce briefly the aims, purpose, background, methodology of the study and justification. Second chapter deals with language acquisition. In this chapter I pay my special attention on linguistic theory and child language. As an approach to the study, here I discuss the principle of structure dependency, which was acquired by children at the very beginning of their acquisition process. Brief descriptions of the organization of grammar and structures of language are included. Third chapter dea1s with focus formations of child language and contains a description of Sinhala syntax. In this chapter I introduce three kinds of focus formations identified by me in my study. Forth chapter contains a description of gradua1 growth of focus sentences in child language. It also discusses some significant formations such as over generalization and extra element addition, related to child focus sentences. Chapter five analyses data on the basis of sub concepts of GB such as control theory, pro drop nature, alpha movement, theta criterion, binding theory and subjacency. Chapter six is the conclusion of the study. I expect this thesis would revea1 few factors which would be helpful in research on syntax in language acquisition.Item Gastric myoelectrical activity, gastric emptying time and oro-caecal transit time in children with Recurrent Abdominal Pain Syndrome(University of Kelaniya: UK(MED)., 2006) DEVANARAYANA, NMRecurrent abdominal pain syndrome is a common paediatric problem affecting approximately 10 percent children and adolescents worldwide. The exact aetiology of this troublesome syndrome is unclear in the majority of patients affected by this condition and attempts have been made to classify them into functional gastrointestinal diseases using Rome II and III criteria. Few studies have demonstrated gastrointestinal motility abnormalities in affected individuals. Despite the magnitude of the problem, knowledge on the effective management options is poor. This thesis attempts to answer some of the issues on pathophysiology and management of recurrent abdominal pain syndrome. The epidemiology and aetiology of recurrent abdominal pain syndrome in Sri Lankan children and adolescents was not known. An epidemiological survey was carried out in four randomly selected schools in Gampaha District of Sri Lanka using self-administered parental questionnaire. The study included 734 school children between 5 to 15 years and the prevalence, clinical profile, health care consultation behaviour, risk factors for recurrent abdominal pain syndrome, and its impact on education were determined. The epidemiology of childhood recurrent abdominal pain syndrome in Sri Lanka (prevalence 10.5 percent) is similar to other countries, except for health care consultation behaviour (70 percent ), which is higher than reported in previous studies. Fifty five recurrent abdominal pain patients identified in the epidemiological study were recruited for an aetiological investigation to detect possible organic and functional causes for recurrent abdominal pain. Clinical and laboratory evaluation revealed organic pathology in less than 24 percent of the affected children, and the majority had functional gastrointestinal diseases. A case control study to detect a possible association between Helicobacter pylori infection and recurrent abdominal pain syndrome performed in 39 patients and 20 healthy controls did not show a significant association between the two conditions. Gastrointestinal motility abnormalities have been suggested as a possible cause for symptoms in patients with non-organic recurrent abdominal pain, but very few studies have been done to prove or disprove this. Case controlled studies were performed in 42 patients and 20 healthy controls to investigate an association between gastric myoelectrical activity (electrogastrography), gastric motility (gastric emptying and antral motility), and oro-caecal transit (small intestinal transit) and non-organic recurrent abdominal pain. The results showed significantly decreased gastric emptying, decreased antral motility and delayed oro-caecal transit time in patients suggesting that gastrointestinal motility abnormalities may be responsible for generation of symptoms in non-organic recurrent abdominal pain. High dietary fat is proven to delay gastric emptying and small intestinal transit, and known to induce gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with functional gastrointestinal disease. Low fat diet has been suggested as a therapeutic option in patients with functional dyspepsia. There were no studies published on the value of a low fat diet in patients with recurrent abdominal pain. A single blind, randomized, controlled trial was conducted to investigate the therapeutic value of a low fat diet on 42 patients with non-organic recurrent abdominal pain. The results demonstrated a possible therapeutic value of low fat diet on recurrent abdominal pain patients with delayed gastric emptying.Item Gastrointestinal mobility in chronic alcoholics(University of Kelaniya: UK(MED)., 2001) FERDINANDIS, TGHCThe studies presented in this thesis attempt to extend the current understanding of the long-term effects of chronic alcoholism on gastrointestinal motility and the pathogenesis of alcohol related motility disturbances. Chapter 1 discusses the physiology of gastrointestinal motility and effects of alcohol on the gastrointestinal tract with special reference to the problem of alcoholism in Sri Lanka. Chapter 2 compares the results of ambulatory oesophageal manometry and pHmetry in 23 chronic alcoholics and 15 control subjects. The study shows for the first time that chronic alcoholism changes the circadian oesophageal motility pattern. Motility disturbances, such as the failure to increase the percentage of peristaltic waves during the meal period were found to be related to alcoholic autonomic neuropathy. Autonomic neuropathy was also found to be partly responsible for lower oesophageal sphincter hypertension in alcoholics. Changes in contraction amplitude and duration in the distal part of the oesophagus during meal and supine periods were also observed in alcoholics irrespective of the presence of alcoholic neuropathy. Chapter 3 studies the influence of meal consistency on gastric myoelectrical activity using iso-caloric (170 kcal) carbohydrate test meals of different consistency. According to the results obtained from 18 healthy subjects, the solid and the semisolid test meals are capable of increasing the power of the postprandial EGG, while the liquid meal failed to do so. In chapter 4 gastric myoelectrical activity was studied in 18 chronic alcoholics and 10 control subjects using a solid carbohydrate test meal (375kcal). Alcoholics with autonomic neuropathy showed a significantly lower incidence of normal 3cpm wave activity in the postprandial period. Irrespective of the presence of neuropathy, alcoholics failed to increase the power of the EGG following the test meal. In chapter 5, assessed mouth to caecum transit time and colonic transit time as a measure of intestinal motility in 18 alcoholics and 21 control subjects. Lactulose breath test showed a significantly shorter mouth to caecal transit time in alcoholics irrespective of whether they had diarrhoea or not. Rapid intestinal transit seems to have no association with the presence of alcoholic autonomic neuropathy. Assessment of colonic transit using the radiopaque marker ingestion technique failed to show any significant difference in the rate of marker excretion in the alcoholic group compared to the control group. Chronic alcoholism is associated with altered circadian oesophageal motor activity, disturbed postprandial gastric myoelectrical activity and rapid small intestinal transit. The presence of oesophageal motility disturbances and postprandial EGG disturbances together (in alcoholics subjected to both oesophageal manometry and electrogastrography) shows the ability of alcohol in interfering with motor functions of more than one organ at a time. Altered circadian oesophageal motility and postprandial EGG disturbances could partly be attributed to alcoholic autonomic neuropathy.Item Genetic composition of Plasmodium falciparum in relation to drug resistance and disease transmission in Sri Lanka(University of Kelaniya: UK(MED)., 2006) HAPUARACHCHI, HCMalaria has been an important communicable disease in Sri Lanka. Even though P. vivax is the predominant species, there has been an increase in the proportion of chloroquine resistant P. falciparum infections in the country since the early 1990s. According to national data, the highest number of P. falciparum cases has been reported from the Northern Province for several years. This study examined the species distribution, antimalarial resistance, transmission potential and genetic structure of P. falciparum populations among security forces personnel in an operational area of the Mannar District of the Northern Province in 2002 and 2004 to understand their inter-related effects on clinical disease and transmission of malaria in the country. Some of these aspects were compared with those from other areas of the country to determine how they differed in the Northern Province. An attempt was also made for the first time to identify appropriate markers for molecular surveillance of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (S-P) resistance of P. falciparum in Sri Lanka. Screening of 1271 patients by light microscopy revealed that P. falciparum was the predominant species in the Northern Province study area. Clinical characteristics of P. falciparum infections (n = 151) suggested that parasite isolates, especially chloroquine resistant ones, in the Northern Province could be more virulent than isolates in other areas. Extended in vivo (n = 76) and in vitro micro test assays (n = 29) for chloroquine showed a treatment failure rate of more than 50 percent among P. falciparum infections in the Northern Province with a 3-fold rise in IC50 values for chloroquine within the two year period. Recrudescent infections caused significantly less severe disease and showed greater potential for transmission than sensitive infections suggesting that antimalarial resistance confers a survival advantage to P. falciparum isolates in the study area. None of the patients (n = 30) who completed in vivo assay for S-P showed evidence of treatment failure. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) based genotyping of P. falciparum populations using size polymorphism in merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1), merozoite surface protein-2 (MSP-2) and glutamate rich protein (GLURP) showed a more complex parasite population in the Northern Province. Block 2 of MSP-1, MSP-2 and GLURP were identified as potential markers for genotyping of P. falciparum isolates in Sri Lanka. The proportion of mixed genotype infections and genotype composition of 'pure' P. falciparum infections appears to reflect the transmission intensity in the Northern Province study area. Longitudinal variation in genotype composition of 'pure' infections showed selection of genotypes 2 and 9, which were associated with resistance to chloroquine, providing indirect evidence for the presence of intrahost dynamics in this parasite population. PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism based mutation analysis of P. falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr) and dihydropteroate synthase (Pfdhps) genes that confer resistance to pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine respectively showed that the majority of field isolates in the Northern Province (88 percent) as well as in other areas of the country (75 percent) were double mutants (C59R + S108N) in Pfdhfr. Overall, 18 percent were also mutants in Pfdhps, especially at codon 581 (A581G). Despite the absence of clinical failures with S-P, in vitro yeast expression assay showed a 860-fold higher mean IC50 value for pyrimethamine in the double mutants than in wild type isolates in the Northern Province. In vitro response of those double mutants closely resembled that of yeast cells dependent upon a triple mutant (N51I + C59R + S108N) reference isolate, indicating impending clinical failure to S-P in the country. These results suggest that the mutant codon at residue 51 of Pfdhfr will be the potential marker of imminent S-P clinical failure in Sri Lanka. In conclusion, recrudescent infections appear to drive the phase of tolerance during the evolutionary process of antimalarial resistance as suggested in the "STR model", while primary infections appear to drive the phase of complete resistance in this area. By causing more clinical episodes, chloroquine resistant primary infections probably induce immunity against malaria among individuals, optimizing the evolutionary process of virulence at an intermediate level. A close inter-relationship was evident in P. falciparum genetic structure, antimalarial resistance, clinical disease and disease transmission in the Northern Province. Continued use of chloroquine probably drives the vicious cycle of increasing antimalarial resistance and virulence in the Northern Province. Thus, these results highlight the need to change the current antimalarial therapy in Sri Lanka, particularly in the Northern Province in order to contain the further spread of antimalarial resistance in the country.Item Isolation and characterization of influenza viruses circulating among avian, swine and human populations in Sri Lanka(University of Kelaniya: UK(MED)., 2007) PERERA, KVHKKEcological and phylogenic studies suggest that wild waterfowl are the natural reservoirs of influenza A viruses. All HA and NA subtypes are found in avian species especially wild aquatic birds, whereas viral subtypes of mammalian influenza viruses are limited. Restricted growth of avian influenza viruses in mammalian species is thought to be a barrier to the emergence of new pandemic strains with direct avian to human transmission. In Sri Lanka, although epidemiological and virological studies on outbreaks of influenza on humans have been carried out, there are no reported data on influenza subtypes circulating among human, swine and avian populations during any specified periods. In this study 300 nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) obtained from human patients with acute respiratory tract infection, 750 cloacal samples, 750 tracheal samples and 750 blood samples from birds , and 300 tracheal and 300 blood samples from pigs were analyzed to identify the influenza subtypes circulating among these different populations in the country. Of the 300 NPA samples, 138 were screened by the indirect immunofluorescence test followed by the direct immunofluorescence test (DFA) to identify the viral etiological agents responsible for the infection: Influenza A (20/138), para influenza group (2/138), adeno (3/138) and respiratory syncitial virus (3/138) were identified. All 300 NPA samples were inoculated on to MDCK cell cultures and haemagglutination and DFA test were performed on the cultures that showed CPE: 24 Influenza A and 9 Influenza B viruses were isolated and were characterized as Influenza A Panama/2000/99 (H3N2) and Influenza B/Sichuan/379/99-like virus, using reference antisera supplied by the World Health Organization. One virus (Influenza A/swine/Sri lanka/48/04) was isolated from a pig brought to the Government slaughter house in Dematagoda and was sub-typed as H3N2. Genetic studies carried out on this isolate showed that this virus was identical to the H3N2 viruses isolated in humans during the study period. Serological analysis revealed that 61.66 percent of the sampled population also had antibodies to this virus and that none had antibodies to the common subtypes of swine influenza A viruses namely, A/HK/4167/1999 H1N1, A/HK/2422/1998/H3N2 Sydney-like and A/HK/1774/1999 Europian swine-like control viruses. Influenza viruses could not be isolated from the tracheal and cloacal samples collected from poultry when the samples were inoculated into 9-11 day old embryonated eggs. However, the serum collected from this avian population when tested in a HAI assay using H6 (1720) and H9 (Y280) reference antigens, showed evidence of infection with both these subtypes: 12.8 percent (96/750) and 5.2 percent (39/750) of birds had antibodies against A/quail/HK 1721-30/99 (H6N2) and H9 A/duck/ Hong Kong /Y280 (H9N2) subtypes respectively and 3.6 percent had sero-converted to both subtypes of viruses indicating dual infection.Item Lama apayojanayata balapana samajamaya hethu sadhaka : Sri Lankawe lama apayojanaya ha ehi warthamana thathwayath, eya samajamaya getaluwak lesa wardenya weema pilibanda shethra adhayanayak(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 2000) SILVA, WPItem Mathdravya bhavithayata yomuweema ha niwaranaya kerehi balapana sanniwedana vidhi(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 1998) PALIHAWADANA, SItem Molecular diagnosis and transmission of dengue virus in Sri Lanka(University of Kelaniya: UK(MED)., 2004) HAPUGODA, GPGMDDengue virus is responsible for Dengue Fever (DF), Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS). Four circulating dengue serotypes (DEN 1-4) have been identified. Early diagnosis of dengue viral infection helps monitoring the disease, hospital admission when necessary and reduces case fatality. Detection of dengue viruses in mosquitoes is useful to study on transmission of dengue virus. Study on risk factors for dengue is useful to understand spatial and temporal dynamics of transmission the disease. A novel diagnostic assay, Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Liquid Hybridization (RT-PCR-LH) was developed. Amplified products of Non Structural-3 (NS3) gene were hybridized with a mixture of the 4 dengue type specific Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) probes in liquid phase. A high sensitivity of 2 fluorescent focus units of dengue virus/reaction was achieved and the assay was highly specific for dengue virus. This novel assay was first validated for clinical specimens in a preliminary retrospective study using serum specimens known to be dengue positive or negative, according to virus isolation method. Secondly, this assay was validated in a prospective study using serum specimens. As an early (\<5 days of fever) laboratory diagnostic method for dengue virus, this assay had 100 percent and 46 percent sensitivity for detection of confirmed and suspected dengue patients respectively. This assay was found to be more sensitive than the other diagnostic techniques: virus isolation, enzyme linked immunosorbant assasy, Haemagglutination inhibition assay and molecular assays based on the same NS3 gene; RT-PCR- mixed phase hybridization, RT-PCR agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE), semi nested PCR-AGE and based on other regions of dengue viruses, for early definitive laboratory diagnosis of primary and secondary dengue infection. Patients with definitive dengue correlated only with few signs and symptoms, indicating that laboratory confirmation is critical to avoid over estimation. Fifty four serum samples were typed; DEN-3 (92 percent) and DEN-2 (7 percent) were found and DEN-3 infected patients in the study population had severe clinical manifestations. This novel technique was also validated to be used for detection of dengue virus in vectors, Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus. Wild-caught mosquito samples were collected from 136 dengue case-reported stations during outbreaks and a hot-spot during a period of 31 months. This assay could detect dengue virus in 7 percent of Ae. albopictus specimens. A high density of Ae. albopictus was also associated with the dengue case-reported stations/hot-spots. These results therefore demonstrate that Ae. albopictus acts as an important vector of transmission of dengue in some urban and semi-urban areas. Epidemiological, environmental, entomological and other possible risk factors affecting transmission of dengue were analyzed. Monthly total rainfall, relative humidity and mean temperature having a lag period of 3 months moving average ending with current month can be used to forecast an impending dengue epidemic in a selected hot-spot where a clear seasonal pattern of dengue was evident. Other risk factors affecting transmission are presence of Ae. albopictus, previous dengue patients, untidy garden with mosquito breeding sites and shade of the garden made by vegetation.Item Paule daru sankayawa pilibanda maupiya abhilasha ha apeksha; Sri lankawe gramiya ha nagarika paul asurin karana lada suwishesha adhayanayak(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 1986) RATHNAYAKE, RLItem Quantitative Analysis of specification of essential metals on wound healing(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 2007) RODRIGO, IAn assessment of essential metals in human wound fluid and wound tissue for concentrations and speciation with new, reliable, verified and validated technologies may be of value for the detection and remediation of essential metal based wound management. An attempt was taken here to gain the target. Samples were analyzed for essential metals using atomic absorption spectroscopy and well-established MINTEQA2 computer based chemical speciation program was used for speciation work. Zinc and copper seems to be progressively accumulated around the site of wound when the wound is healing whilst iron seems vise-versa. Calcium is stable with the healing of wound. Blood contains high levels of metals than acute and chronic wound tissues except for calcium. Iron levels of chronic tissues are higher than those in acute tissues whilst others vise-versa. Nutritional and non-nutritional factors are not much important to manipulate the metal ion concentration since neither any nutritional nor non-nutritional factor has a relationship with the variation of any analyzed metal ion concentration. The modeling studies indicate that distribution and bioavailability of zinc and manganese in the wound fluid depend upon the pH and healing of wound, whilst others not apparent. A successful study would aim ultimately to influence hospital expenditure by increasing the healing rate of wounds so that patients are discharged earlier and returned to the community with improved quality of lifeItem Rekiya sandaha demaupiyan wideshagathaweema daruwange addhyapana (sadana) mattam kerehi wana balapema pilibanda adhayanayak(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 2002) ARIYAWATHEE, PKItem Saukkaya ha swasthathawa pilibanda bauddha igenweema(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 2002) SADDHARATHANA, thera KANATHEGODAItem Some studies on the techniques available for aflatoxin analysis and their application(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 1990) DAYANANDA, KRSeveral methods had been established for aflatoxin analysis. However, the choice of an appropriate technique depends on a number of factors such as the extent of aboratory facilities available, the matrix of food item, etc. It was concluded that (i) The AOAC (CB) method as modified by Roberts and using Sep-pak cartridge was the most appropriate for the food items considered here (ii). If the Pons method is used, the acetone/water mixture should be originally specified (70 : 30) and not changed to 85 :15 as given later by Pons (iii). Solvent extraction (n-hexane) as implied by the TPI G-70 report should not be practiced, even if it means the use of additional sol vent in the AOAC (CB) clean-up technique, because it leads to low recoveries. Results also sholwed that the HPLC (fluorescence) technique was most sensiti.ve (0.52-2 ng) and reproducible (coefficient of variation = 10 percent). The TLC densitometri.c (fluorescence) method was not far behind (sensitivity = 2.3 ng. CV = 10-20 percent). The TLC visual technique was least reproducible (CV = 20-40 percent) and its sensitivity was only 5 ppb. The range of aflatoxins in rubber seed lay most frequently bet"een 0-200 ppb. Rubber seed meal and oil was also analysed for aflatoxin contamination. Aflatoxin in rubber seed oil (5-20 ppb) can be degraded by sunlight provided it is purified to remove a brown pigment. Nearly 150 samples of maize and a maize based product was analysed for aflatoxin using the AOAC (CB)/Roberts/HPLC technique. Resullts showed contamination levels were mainly in the region of 5-50 ppb. This is an important factor as maize is used as a raw material in infant and invalid food in this country. These techniques can be used when looking for aflatoxins at level above 5 ppb in spices also.Item Sri lankawe lama apachara wardanaya weema kerehi balape samaja pasubima pilibanda samaja vidyathmaka adhayanayak(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 2001) SUBASINGHE, AWKW