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Item Academic performance and drop-out in Sri Lankan Universities(University of Colombo: UC(SCI)., 1998) KOTTAHACHCHI, BDThe aim of the research was to identify the factors which influence the academic performance and the drop out of students Sri Lankan Universities. The major findings are given below:-1. GCE A Level aggregate marks which are held to determine academic ability at entry is identified as the most crucial variable which influences academic performance. It is also relevant to the drop out of students who require pre-entry subject specific knowledge for their courses at university. 2. The results at the first examination is a significant predictor of degree completion. 3. Students entering with high marks generally graduated with a calss. This linkage is more marled for students who require pre-entry subject specific knowledge at university. 4. Students from urban districts generally enter with higher marks than those from rural districts and they have a higher pass rate at examination than those from rural distrits. 5. Students entering on their first attempt have entered with higher marks than repeaters and they have a higher pass rate at examinations than the latter. 6.When students are clssified according to either gender or medium, the group that entering with high marks at A Level....Item Acute diarrhoeal disorders among pre-school children in the estate population of two selected estates in Hunnasgiriya in the Kandy District(Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo: PGIM., 2001) AMARASEKERA, MTJThe objective was to find the prevalence of acute diarrhoeal disorders among children aged 2-5 years in the estate population and to study the knowledge and practices of mothers regarding acute diarrhoeal disorders and to describe some socio-economic factors of these families. There was a significant difference in knowledge regarding " Jeewani" between literate and illiterate mothers and also between mothers with formal and mothers with no formal education. There was a significant difference in practices in dealing with acute diarrhoeal disorders between literate and illiterate mothers at P= 0.05 level. Majority of mothers restricted food during diarrhoeal episodes. Inability to generalise the results of this study to the overall estate population of Sri Lanka is a limitation of this study.Item Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in Sri Lankan children: a 10 year experience at National Cancer Institute, Sri Lanka(Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo: PGIM ., 1995) SIRIWARDENA, PAVThis retrospective study was carried out in 66 children ranging from 1 « years to 12 « years who were referred to Cancer Institute, Maharagama, Sri Lanka after being diagnosed as having Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. The study was undertaken to evaluate patient characteristics, (Age and sex distribution) long term sequelae of CNS prophylaxis (growth retardation) and the treatment outcome in these 66 paediatric patients who were treated and followed up at Cancer Institute, Maharagama, Sri Lanka during the period between 1st May 1982 and 27th September 1993. Two of them expired within this 11 year period of follow up of CNS leukaemia. The majority of children belonged to 3 to 6 year age group with 64 percent of cases. The treatment given had been the standard treatment for Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia during the period concerned.Item Adhika rudhira pidanaya sandaha yodana toragat aushadhayoga dekaka saphalyatavaya agayima(Institute of Indigenous Medicine, Rajagiriya : IIM., 2000) SENEVIRATHNE, LItem Aetio-pathology of respiratory infections in pigs in Sri lanka(University of Peradeniya: UP(MED)., 2011-02-07) DILEEPAN, MItem The Aetiology of cataract and the effect of prednisolone on the development of cataract(University of Peradeniya: UP(MED)., 1983) ANGUNAWELA, IIInvestigations were carried out to clarify the role of auto immune phenomena in the pathogenesis of cataract in the adult human lens. Studies were carried out to determine the presence of serum antibodies to lens protein in patients with senile cataract, in patients with diabetes mellitus with and without cataract and in healthy adult (non-diabetic and free of cataract) control subjects. The sera from these subjects were investigated for the presence of antibodies to lens protein 'using the interfacial test and the gel diffusion technique. Non-specific antibodies were removed by adsorption of sera in homogenised rat liver. A high proportion of healthy adults were found to have antilens protein antibodies (44.4per cent by the gel diffusion method). In contrast, the patients with cataract and the diabetic patients with no cataract demonstrated double this incidence, while all diabetic patients with cataract showed the presence of antibodies. The antigenicity of the lens protein waS found to be weak, and this feature is discussed in relation to the proteins of normal lenses as well as cataractous and diabetic lenses. The possible methods by which lens antigen is released to evoke an antibody response is also discussed. The auto antibody status and the role of lens protein antibodies in heal thy humans is discussed. The possible causes for the higher incidence of anti-lens protein antibodies in the patients with cataract, and in the diabetic patients with no clinical evidence of cataract are considered, in relation to cataract formation. Homogenates of cataractous lenses when investigated for the presence of immunoglobulins, revealed the presence of both Ig G and Ig M immunoglobulins, the former probably to a greater extent. Fluorescent microscopy, on cryosections of senile and diabetic cataractous lenses, revealed the presence of immunoglobulins within the lens., The role of immune complexes within the lens in relation to the pathogenesis of cataract is discussed. The antigen in the immune complexes isolated from homogenized lens was characterised by the SDS-polyacrylamidegel-electrophoresis method. A single band was consistently obtained and the molecular weight of the protein was estimated to be between 35,000 and 40,000. An animal model was used to determine the effects of anti-human lens protein antibodies on the lens, and to ascertain the effects of prednisolone on the production of antibodies in immunized animals. Ten rabbits were immunized with human cataractous lens homogenate in Freund's adjuvant according to a schedule. Half the immunized animals were treated with prednisolone. Only one out of the five animals that were treated with prednisolone produced antibodies. On slit lamp examination of the lenses of all 12 rabbits under investigation, two out of the six rabbits who produced anti-lens antibodies showed cortical lens opacities at the end of 16 weeks. The strong possibility of auto-antibodies to lens protein being of aetiological significance in the pathogenesis of cataract is discussed.Item Aetiology of childhood diarrhoea in children treated at the Children's Hospital, Colombo(University of Colombo: UC(MED)., 1992) JAYAWARDENE, MIFPViral, Bacterial and Protozoan causes of childhood diarrhoea in Colombo, clinical features, seasonality and risk factors, and antibiotic sensitivity were studied in a 3 year prospective study. The commonest virus isolated was the Rotavirus and the Bacteria was shigellae among a host of other pathogens. Adenovirus was the commonest pathogen isolated among cases treated in the OPD Majority were between 3 months and 3 years and 50 percent were malnourished. Evidence showed infection was due to pollution and No seasmality was seen. Over use of Antibiotics was seen both at primary health care level and the hospital and increased the risk of persistant diorrhoea by four fold.Item The Aetiology of low birth weight in a plantation population in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka(Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo: PGIM ., 1989) PERERA, RSThe objective of this study was to identify the aetiological factors of low birth weight in this context.For this study an up-country plantation population in Nuwara Eliya was selected.Following measures have been recommended to reduce the low birth weight incidence on up-country plantations:- Maternity leave in the two weeks penultimate to delivery should be ensured.Maternal weight gain should be monitored at ante-natal clinics to ensure a weight gain of 300g,per week or more," At risk" care should be given to mothers with a past history of low birth weight and low maternal height.Mothers in parity 1 or with an age of below 20 years or between 30-34 years should also receive special care,Spacing of births to 24 months or above should be achieved with family planning and breast feeding,Health education should be given to mothers to commence ante-natal care early in the pregnancy,preferably before 20 weeks of gestation,Regular ante-natal clinic visits should be promoted and,Better literacy should achieved through education.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 Allelic polymorphisms of malarial and human genes in relation to disease occurrence and pathogenesis(University of Colombo: UC(MED)., 1999) PERERA, WVJAmong the determinants of pathogenesis of malarial disease, parasite genetic factors and host genetics play a major role. Human TNF allele polymorphisms and their associations with severe infectious diseases and genetic composition of malarial infections were studied using PCR oligonucleotide probing. The results of this study showed that the mean number of genetically distinct parasite clones per isolate for parasite infections in Kataragama (endemic) patient population (2.17) is significantly higher than the parasite isolates from patients in Colombo (non endemic) (1.59=0.0001)Item Ambient air quality study of the pollution caused by vehicular exhaust emissions in the city of Colombo.(University of Colombo: UC(SCI)., 1998) KARUNASINGHE, AWJThe study was performed to determine the concentrations of particulatematter (total suspended perticulate and fine dust), lead, polycyclic hydrocarbons, total hydrocarbone, non-methane hydrocarbons, methane sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide in the air on regular basis at seven selected intersections in the city of colombo during the period from 1990 to 1993 primary climatic data such as humidity rainfall wind speed were also recorded especially during air sampling for particulate matter.Total Suspended, particulate (TSP) and fine dust (FD) measured using a high volume air sampler indicated that the average TSP concentration was 404 ug/m3 with a variation between 100-960 ug/m3 for 8 hour period more than 50 of the time TSP concentration was above 300 ug/m3 TSP and FD concentrations were found at higher levels exceeding the standards of Sri Lanka and World Health Organization(WHO). The average values of TSP on Sundays were found to be 274 ug/m3 which indicated that the TSP values were low by an average of 32 of week-days TSP levels. This could be due to lesser traffic moving on Sundays which wasabout 50 of weekdays traffic. A linear relationship was found for TSP level and traffic densities atthree sampling sites namely Maradana Wellawatta and Borella. The correlation coefficients were 0.97, 0.84 and 0.71 respectively....Item Anal incontinence following child birth.(Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo: PGIM., 2004) ABEYSUNDERA, SSThere were a statistical significance of incontonence symptoms with instrumental deliveries when compared with normal vaginal deliveries at six weeks, four (15) in the instrumental delivery group (p = 0.034). General perception of health was also unsatisfactory and statistically significant in this group, five women (19) (p= 0.012). Birth weights of more than 3.5 kg was found to have significant association with unsatisfactory perception of health at six months, nine women (9) (p = 0.0003). There was also significant association between incontinence symptoms and this group, seven women (8) (p = 0.017). Caesarean section done in labor was found to have significant unsatisfactory general health compared to caesarean section not done in labor at six weeks. Women who were in labour for more than 8 hours showed a significant association with unsatisfactory general health at six week. There were no statistical significance found with unsatisfactory general perception of health or incontinence symptoms when compared to forceps and vacuum delivery, episiotomy suturing by medical officers and medical students, with 1st and 2nd degree perineal injuries, position of vertex at delivery. The proportion of anal incontinence in the present study is relatively smaller than reported in other countries. A much larger community based study should be undertaken to evaluate this problem and identify preventive measures.Item Analysis for lead in study materials of primary school children such as water colours, clays and crayons.(University of Colombo: UC(SCI)., 1979) DE MEL, LSKThe estimation of Lead in the samples of water colours, clays and crayons has been carried out using the Dithizone Proce Dure (5) the method adapted by the Sri Lanka standared committee for lead in water colours. The Sri Lanka standard specifies not more than 250 mg/kg of lead for the water colours and mo standared are prescribed for clays and crayona Total of forty one (41) samples of the three materials under study were analysed for their lead concentration and most of the samples had the lead contant within the standard specified for water couloursThe yellow colours of all the materials analysed excepting two makes of water colours, had lead concentration over the standard limit. One of the makes had all the colours with lead concentration lead than10mg/kg.Item An Analysis of factors affecting reinfection of worm diseases.(University of Colombo: UC(SCI)., 1992) RAJAPAKSE, ALItem Analysis of heavy metal content of the water waters/sludge of the sewage treatment plant at Biyagama export processing zone.(University of Colombo: UC(SCI)., 1996) BELING, ASThe effluents and sludge discharhed by the industries and common sewage Treatment plant (SCTP) within the Biyagema Export processing Zone (BEPZ) were analysed for heavy metals with a view to identify ehether any wastes are being discharged by the BEPZ in hazardous concentretion with regard to heavy metals. The heave metal content in the effluents was compared with the standards specified by the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) with regard to effluent discharge and the leachable heave metal content in the sludge was compared with the standards specified by the United states Environmental protection Agency (USEPA) for solid waste disposal by landfill, Duration of the study was from June 1994 to December 1994. The sludge was analysed for leaqchable and total heavy metal content. The leachable metal in the sludge, was analysed using the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching procedure (TCLP) test as recommended by the determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer as the detection limits of this equipment for each metal analysed are lesser than those specified in the standards. The effluents were analysed for cadmium, Chromium, copper, Nickel, Lead and Zinc content. The sludge was analysed for the same metals except for Nickel. In the USEPA standards, a tolerance limit has not been specified for Nickel. All the effluents and sludge samples....Item Analysis of mortality pattern of road traffic deaths undergoing medico-legal autopsies in the city of Colombo: a prospective study(University of Colombo: UC(MED)., 2004) DRUKPA, PNo abstractItem Analysis of organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticide residues in Sri Lankan agricultural export commodities with special emphasis on tea(Post Grauate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya: PGIS., 2000) NAVARATHNE, SPItem An Analysis of patient care cost for selected preventable diseases in intensive care unit at Lady Ridgeway Hospital in 1992(Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo: PGIM ., 1994) JAYATISSA, KLRA retrospective study was performed to calculate the cost of intensive therapy of the patients with preventable conditions, admitted to LRH, ICU in 1992, on an individual basis. The study revealed that the Ministry of Health has achieved a certain level of success in controlling the preventable diseases. Intensive care utilization for this categories was only 23 percent as compared to 77 percent for non preventable diseases. Per patient day cost at the ICU was Rs.3,306.00. Which is almost ten times greater than that for general ward treatment at LRH. The cost was studied in terms of the ficed (equipment, building) 12 percent, semi ficed (staff emoluments and administration) 31 percent and variable (treatment) costs 57 percent. Emoluments of staff was 30 percent of the total cost. The mortality rate for patients with preventable diseases had remained at a high level (60 percent). 70 percent of the preventable conditions were due to birth asphyxia and complications of LBW. These two conditions produce high incidence of admissions under one month (97 percent out of all neonates). The money spent on treatment of birth asphyxia and LBW at LRH ICU would be sufficient to provide 175 ambu bags and 85,000 hand mucus extractors to reach an island wide coverage. Control programmes specific for these two problems with wide coverage is a need of the day. Among the nin preventable diseases, there were patients with long standing public health problems such as complications of worm infestation (0.7 percent), gastroenteritis (4.1 percent), malaria (0.7 percent), neonatal tetanus (1.4 percent), tetanus (1.4 percent),Tuberculosis (1.4 percent) and typhoid (0.7 percent). There were also patients appearing with newly highlighted public health problems such as dengue haemorragic fever (2.1 percent) and encephalitis (7.5 percent) which could be a major public health problems in the future. 8.9 percent of patients presented as poisoning which is easily preventable. 55 percent of the total ICU cost for preventable diseases has consumed by non survivors as compared to the cost consumed by survivors. This highlights well known important concept of prevention is better than cure. There is a growing demand for intensive care by the health professionals and other pressure groups, this may not be a right investment considering the loss of opportunity of primary and secondary care for large numbers due to lack of resources. While accepting the fact, that intensive care are integral part of tertiary care these should not be established at the expense of basic primary care.Item Analysis of Pb by X-Ray absorptiometry and comparison of measurement sensitivity with edxrf and AAS(University of Colombo: UC(SCI)., 1999) NAMASICAYAM, SDuring the recent years there has been a widespread interest in monitoring Pb levels in air Although several methods are available to measure Pb in airborne dust they are expensive and time consuming From previous work it appeared that the X-Ray absorption edge method could be used in general to determine elements of atomic number Z20 quickly ana accurately. This methods is independent of the matrix and is non-destructive. The study was initiated to examine the feasibility of using this nuclear related method based on X-Ray absorptiometry to measure Pb levels in aerosols and to compare the validity of this method with EDXRF, AAS and dithizone extraction. Ten air samples were collected for 2 - 60 h through 47 mm diameter millipore filters using a high volume air sampler at the University of Colombo,CEA Fort Sampling Centet, NBRO and Meteorologocal Department and analysed using X-Ray absorptiometry, XRF, AAS and dithizone method.Results obtained from three filters with the two nuclear related methods XRF and X-Ray absorptiometry in this study is within 10 deviation while twoother filters had a deviation of 23 \& 20 XRF has a higher sensitivity with a detection limit of 0.06 ug/cm2 while the detection limit of the absorptiometry method is 1.93 ug/cm2. This can be futher improved by using a primary source having a greater activity and also....Item Analysis of the disinfectant soap lysol and studies on the preparation of a soap substitute(University of Colombo: UC(SCI)., 1995) RAJASINGHAM, SLThe analysis of the Lysol soap used in the disinfectory and antiseptic purposes is presented. Lysol soap is found to be 51.38 aqueous solution of sodium Ricinoleats. Cheaper alternatives for Lysol soap could be prepared using Linseed oil or Tall oil soaps.