Showing papers by "University of Peradeniya published in 1988"
TL;DR: In view of the high L-DOPA contents reported in some mucuna cultivars, overconsumption of mucuna beans should be viewed with some caution until suitable processing methods are developed.
Abstract: Some nutritional and anti-nutritional characteristics of mucuna (Mucuna utilis (Wight) Burck) bean seeds were studied. The mature seeds contained 264 g crude protein, 63 g crude fibre, 41 g crude fat, 37 g ash and 595 g carbohydrates kg−1 DM. The essential amino acid profile compared well with the FAO/WHO scoring pattern except for a deficiency of sulphur-containing amino acids. Mineral composition was similar to those reported for most tropical grain legumes.
Raw mucuna seed samples contained moderately high levels of anti-tryptic activity (2170 trypsin units inhibited g−1 DM), but this was completely destroyed by cooking. The other anti-nutritional factors (phytate, cyanide and tannins) are probably of little nutritional significance provided that the beans are properly processed. The in-vitro protein digestibility of raw and cooked beans were 71·5 and 80·3 %, respectively. In view of the high L-DOPA contents reported in some mucuna cultivars, overconsumption of mucuna beans should be viewed with some caution until suitable processing methods are developed.
135 citations
TL;DR: Seventy-three patients in a series of 346 cases of cleft palate were found to have fistulas, most located at the junction of hard and soft palate, and Langenbeck's method of Cleft palate repair resulted in more fistulas than Wardill's method.
131 citations
TL;DR: The nutritional composition, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and anti-nutritive properties of cassava leaves were investigated at three stages of leaf maturity, where the crude protein and carbohydrate contents decreased with maturity, whereas all other proximal and fibre components increased.
89 citations
TL;DR: It is reported that a monoclonal antibody against gametes of the human malaria pathogen Plasmodium vivax and antibodies induced during natural infections of P.vivax in humans can have the opposite effect and enhance the level of malaria infection in the mosquitoes.
Abstract: Antibodies against gametes of the malarial parasite inhibit the development of the parasite in the mosquito and curtail the transmission of malaria. We now report that a monoclonal antibody against gametes of the human malaria pathogen Plasmodium vivax and antibodies induced during natural infections of P. vivax in humans which suppress infectivity of the parasites to the vector at high concentrations can, at lower concentrations, have the opposite effect and enhance the level of malaria infection in the mosquitoes. Infectivity enhancing effects of up to 12-fold were demonstrated when a transmission blocking monoclonal antibody and immune human sera were diluted, in some undiluted immune human sera, and in the sera of vivax malaria patients during convalescence after drug cure.
85 citations
TL;DR: Children younger than 11-years-old with mandibular fractures were studied regarding age, sex, type of fracture, incidence, etiology, methods of treatment, and complications and one child had retarded facial growth due to damage of the condylar growth center.
72 citations
TL;DR: In addition to the acute cholinergic features, the other important manifestations were delayed onset respiratory paralysis and delayed polyneuropathy and the overall mortality was 18%.
65 citations
TL;DR: Garnet granulites from Sri Lanka preserve textural and chemical evidence for prograde equilibration at temperatures of at least 700-750°C and pressures in the vicinity of 6-8 kbar as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Garnet granulites from Sri Lanka preserve textural and chemical evidence for prograde equilibration at temperatures of at least 700–750°C and pressures in the vicinity of 6–8 kbar. Associated strain patterns suggest prograde metamorphism occurred during and immediately following an episode of crustal thickening, with the prograde P–T conditions probably reflecting a combination of the conductive and advective transport of heat at the mid‐levels of tectonically thickened crust. The occurrence of prograde wollastonite provides evidence for internally buffered fluid compositions, or fluid absent conditions, during peak metamorphism and precludes pervasive advection of a CO2‐rich fluid. The advective heat component is therefore likely to have been provided by the transport of silicate melt. Intricate symplectitic textures record partial re‐equilibration of the garnet granulites to lower pressures (˜ 4–6 kbar) at high temperatures (600–750°C), and testify either to the erosional denudation of the overthick crust prior to significant cooling (i.e. quasi‐isothermal decompression) or to a subsequent static heating possibly of early Palaeozoic age (Pan‐African). The metamorphic history of the Sri Lankan granulites is compared with high grade terrains in the neighbouring fragments of Gondwana, with the emphasis on similarities with Proterozoic granulites of the East Antarctic craton. Copyright © 1988, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved
63 citations
TL;DR: A new resveratrol trimer has been isolated from the bark of Stemonoporus canaliculatus and showed antifungal activity against the fungus, Cladosporium cladosporioides.
58 citations
TL;DR: There has been the emergence of new foci of malaria around the hill capital, Kandy, discussed here by Manel Wijesundera, which seems intimately related to hydrological changes brought about by major irrigation and hydroelectric schemes on the Mahaweli river.
53 citations
TL;DR: One hundred and seventy nine cases of acute poisoning constituting 1.1% of all admissions to the medical unit over 3 years were analysed and ingestion with suicidal intent was the common mode of poisoning.
44 citations
TL;DR: The nitrogen rich leaves of Sesbania sesban, which contained 88% of the nitrogen in the above-ground parts, decomposed and released its nitrogen much more rapidly than the stems and roots, so it is not necessary to apply nitrogen fertilizers as a basal dose.
Abstract: Sesbania sesban was evaluated as green manure crop for lowland rice in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. The legume was grown during a fallow period before lowland rice (Oryza sativa) and ploughed under just before transplanting. Weight loss and nitrogen content in litterbags containing leaves, stems and roots of the legume were monitored. Comparisons were made between rice yields from 20 m2 plots after green manuring in combination with different nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 2.4, 4.8 and 7.2 gm−2) and nitrogen fertilizer (9.6 gm−2) alone. Above-ground biomass ofS. sesban was 440 gm−2 (dry wt) when ploughed under after 84 days growth. N-content in leaves, stems and roots was 3.76%, 0.41% and 0.73%, respectively. This gave a N-input fromS. sesban of 9.2 gm−2 (8.3 g from above-ground parts and 0.9 g from roots). The corresponding K and P inputs were 7.3 and 0.6 gm−2 respectively. The nitrogen rich leaves, which contained 88% of the nitrogen in the above-ground parts, decomposed and released its nitrogen much more rapidly than the stems and roots. After only four days the leaves had released 5.3 g Nm−2 and after 14 days they had released 6.4 g Nm−2. The highest rice yield (505 gm−2) was obtained usingS. sesban and 4.8 gm−2 of N-fertilizer. The yields with only N-fertilizer or onlyS. sesban were 442 gm−2 and 396 gm−2, respectively. Due to the rapid decomposition of the nitrogen rich leaves,S. sesban did not behave as a slow release fertilizer. Thus, it is not necessary to apply nitrogen fertilizers as a basal dose.
TL;DR: The pattern of dry socket as seen at the two institutes regarding delayed onset, lower molar site specificity, female predominance and relation to difficulty of extraction was similar to each other and to those described in previous studies, supporting a multifactorial aetiology.
Abstract: An investigation into the incidence and other features of dry socket in Sri Lanka was considered worthwhile as working conditions, general health of patients and related factors may be different in developing countries. The present study was conducted at two institutes which provide differing facilities and conditions. The overall incidence was found to be 3.5% which is similar to figures reported in the U.K. and Europe. The pattern of dry socket as seen at the two institutes regarding delayed onset, lower molar site specificity, female predominance and relation to difficulty of extraction was similar to each other and to those described in previous studies. These findings support a multifactorial aetiology as does a review of the recent literature.
TL;DR: Considering the likelihood that environmental changes associated with development will lead to increased population densities of at least some of these potential vectors, mosquito-borne diseases can be expected to play a significant role in human health after settlement and irrigation.
Abstract: The adult mosquito fauna of forest land due to be developed into irrigated agriculture under System C of the Mahaweli Development Project of Sri Lanka was surveyed in 1984 and 1985. Seventy-one species of mosquitoes were collected during the survey, 38 of which were taken at diurnal human bait; the most abundant were Aedes albopictus (Skuse), a vector of dengue in Southeast Asia, Ae. novalbopictus Barraud, and Ae. w-albus (Theobald). Nocturnal human-bait catches yielded 48 species, of which Mansonia annulifera (Theobald), was dominant. Other common species included Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles, Cx. gelidus Theobald, Cx. fuscocephala Theobald, and Cx. pseudovishnui Colless, all potential vectors of Japanese encephalitis, and Anopheles culicifacies Giles, the established vector of human malaria in Sri Lanka. CDC light traps attracted 49 species, of which the most abundant were Mimomyia hybrida (Leicester) and Cx. pseudovishnui. Thirty-two species were collected from temporary huts in the forest; Ma. annulifera was dominant. Significant seasonal and site-related density differences were apparent in several species. There was evidence of the rapid invasion of areas disturbed by humans by two peridomestic species, Culex quinquefasciatus Say, the vector of bancroftian filariasis in Sri Lanka, and Armigeres subalbatus (Coquillett). Considering the likelihood that environmental changes associated with development will lead to increased population densities of at least some of these potential vectors, mosquito-borne diseases can be expected to play a significant role in human health after settlement and irrigation.
TL;DR: Patients with edentulous mandibular fractures and an age- and sex-matched group of 33 patients with dentulous mandIBular fractures were studied regarding site, treatment needs, and complications.
TL;DR: The methanolic extract of the fruits of Colocynthis vulgaris on acidic hydrolysis afforded in addition to cucurbitacin I and J a new cucurlabacin designated cucurbacin T whose structure was elucidated as (24 S )-16,24 anhydro-25methoxy-2,16α,20β,24-tetrahydroxy-3,11,22-trioxocucurbita-1,5-diene by spectroscopic methods.
TL;DR: A corundum-bearing skarn deposit was discovered in the Bakumuna area as discussed by the authors, and the geology, petrology, and geochemistry of the deposit were studied.
Abstract: A corundum-bearing skarn deposit was discovered in the Bakumuna area. The geology, petrology, and geochemistry of the deposit were studied. The skarn deposit comprises three mineralogically different zones, and the corundum is chiefly mineralized in the outermost zone. The deposit formed by the reaction of late magmatic fluids with the marble which eventually enriched the fluids with Al, causing Al2O3 to precipitate as corundum.
TL;DR: It was found that Millard's technique restores nostril height and the cupid's bow more effectively and LeMesurier's method produces a better vermilion and philtral edge, which support the current view that no single method exists that is superior to any other.
TL;DR: An innovative approach for the early detection of oral cancer and precancer within the context of the primary health care system has been field tested in Sri Lanka and compliance in accepting this particular PHC approach for cancer screening was 54.1%.
Abstract: An innovative approach for the early detection of oral cancer and precancer within the context of the primary health care system has been field tested in Sri Lanka. The overall compliance in accepting this particular PHC approach for cancer screening, as estimated by arrival at a referral centre manned by consultant staff, was 54.1%. Nearly 80% of those who turned up without needing an additional reminder, did so within the first 2 weeks of case finding. There was a variation in the degree of compliance depending on the primary health care worker who did the screening and referral. Compliance was greater when the screening area was nearer to the referral centre and in subjects who were diagnosed as having a more advanced stage of the disease. Certain practical considerations that contributed to noncompliance were identified. Postal reminders were seen to increase overall compliance by 10.9%.
TL;DR: In this paper, the isolation of chitranone (3), zeylanone (4), maritinone (5), 2-methylnaphthazarin (6), plumbazeylanone, and a new naphthoquinone, methylene-3,3′-diplumbagin (7) from the phenolic fraction of the light petroleum extract of the roots of Plumbago zeylanica(Plumbaginaceae) is reported.
Abstract: The isolation of chitranone (3), zeylanone (4), maritinone (5), 2-methylnaphthazarin (6), plumbazeylanone, and a new naphthoquinone, methylene-3,3′-diplumbagin (7) from the phenolic fraction of the light petroleum extract of the roots of Plumbago zeylanica(Plumbaginaceae) is reported. The dimethyl ether of the new quinone has been synthesized from plumbagin methyl ether.
TL;DR: Results suggest that examination of cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions to non-parasite antigens might be useful in predicting inherent resistance or susceptibility to parasite infection.
TL;DR: The roots of Croton lacciferus furnished three ent -kauranoids, two of which are new natural products, and two oleananes that showed moderate insecticidal activity against Aphis craccivora.
TL;DR: The roots of Croton lacciferus afrorded a novel ent-kauranoid and three other entkuranoid alcohols, one of which was a new natural product, together with 2,6-dimethoxybenzoquinone.
TL;DR: Une population de Caridina simoni a ete etudiee pendant une periode de deux ans dans un petit reservoir du Sri Lanka tropical, mais s'accroit d'octobre a decembre, pendant la grande saison des pluies.
Abstract: Une population de Caridina simoni a ete etudiee pendant une periode de deux ans dans un petit reservoir du Sri Lanka tropical. La reproduction est continue, mais s'accroit d'octobre a decembre, pendant la grande saison des pluies. Les mâles s'accroissent d'abord plus rapidement que les femelles, mais leur taux de croissance diminue ensuite plus vite. La longevite dans la nature semble etre d'environ un an, encore que des individus aient vecu plus longtemps en laboratoire. De meme les tailles maximales des mâles (24 mm) et des femelles (26 mm) dans l'habitat naturel etaient inferieures a celles obtenues en laboratoire. Le sex-ratio pour la population entiere etait voisin de 1,0, mais il y avait davantage de mâles dans les classes de taille moyenne et davantage de femelles dans les classes de grande taille. Les plus petites femelles ovigeres mesuraient 17 mm. L'importance des pontes croissait avec la taille du corps, atteignant au maximum 105 œufs. Le nombre moyen de pontes produit par une femelle durant sa vie a pu etre evalue a six. La relation taille-poids du corps est presentee, et les effets de la temperature et des chutes de pluie sur la taille des populations et l'effort de reproduction sont discutes.
TL;DR: Along the Highland Group-eastern Vijayan tectonic boundary of Sri Lanka there is a 350 km long thermal spring line indicating a large geothermal system beneath Chemical geothermometers yield temperatures of about 150°C at depth for some of the thermal springs with higher surface temperatures Tectonic movements as indicated by microseismic activity along the geothermal zone, the presence of a line of serpentine bodies, granites and anomalous uranium-bearing regions all indicate probable sources of heat Serpentinization provides exothermic reactions that contribute significantly to heat production.
TL;DR: On a constate that the reproduction etait continue, mais avec une saison de ponte maximale pendant and immediatement apres the haute saison des pluies, ceci entrainant un recrutement maximal de the population.
Abstract: [Une population de Caridina pristis dans un petit cours d'eau a ete echantillonnee chaque mois pendant deux ans. On a constate que la reproduction etait continue, mais avec une saison de ponte maximale pendant et immediatement apres la haute saison des pluies, ceci entrainant un recrutement maximal de la population. Une correlation negative significative a ete observee entre la densite de la population et la proportion des femelles ovigeres presentes. Les mâles semblent croitre plus lentement que les femelles, les tailles maximales atteintes par les mâles et les femelles etant respectivement de 18 et 19 mm. La duree de vie probable de la crevette ne depasse pas un an. Le rapport mâle/femelle de la population etait de 0,84, mais ce rapport etait plus proche de 1,0 dans les classes de petite taille, et superieur a 1,0 dans celles de taille moyenne. Les femelles developpaient de multiples pontes et le nombre d'oeufs produit croissait avec la taille des ces femelles, s'echelonnant de 7 a 28. Les relations entre la longueur du corps, la longueur de la carapace et le poids sont presentees, ainsi que d'autres donnees demographiques., Une population de Caridina pristis dans un petit cours d'eau a ete echantillonnee chaque mois pendant deux ans. On a constate que la reproduction etait continue, mais avec une saison de ponte maximale pendant et immediatement apres la haute saison des pluies, ceci entrainant un recrutement maximal de la population. Une correlation negative significative a ete observee entre la densite de la population et la proportion des femelles ovigeres presentes. Les mâles semblent croitre plus lentement que les femelles, les tailles maximales atteintes par les mâles et les femelles etant respectivement de 18 et 19 mm. La duree de vie probable de la crevette ne depasse pas un an. Le rapport mâle/femelle de la population etait de 0,84, mais ce rapport etait plus proche de 1,0 dans les classes de petite taille, et superieur a 1,0 dans celles de taille moyenne. Les femelles developpaient de multiples pontes et le nombre d'oeufs produit croissait avec la taille des ces femelles, s'echelonnant de 7 a 28. Les relations entre la longueur du corps, la longueur de la carapace et le poids sont presentees, ainsi que d'autres donnees demographiques.]
TL;DR: In this article, a simple and inexpensive method of defluoridating these fluoride-rich waters was required and it was found that kaolinitic clay forms a suitable raw material in the defluodoridation process.
Abstract: Many water supply schemes, particularly in developing countries where dug wells form the major water source, contain excess fluorides normally detrimental to dental health. A simple and inexpensive method of defluoridating these fluoride‐rich waters was required and it was found that kaolinitic clay forms a suitable raw material in the defluoridation process. Fluoride adsorption and desorption reactions in clay were investigated. At equal concentrations of total fluoride in solution, fluoride retention was greatest at pH = 5.6 and decreased both at low and high pH. Fluoride sorption conformed to both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms over the entire range of fluoride concentrations (5–25 ppm). However, fluoride desorption conformed only to the Freundlich isotherm. These properties make it possible for the use of kaolinitic clay as defluoridating material to be used in potable water supplies at village levels.
TL;DR: Para-rubber (Hevea brasiliensis ) seeds were examined for their proximate analysis, detergent fibre, amino acid and mineral composition as discussed by the authors, and the seeds were further analysed for the presence of anti-trypsin activity, cyanide, phytate and tannins.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: There was no difference in drug exposure in relation to sex, but a tendency towards increased drug exposure was noted with increasing age and longer duration of stay, and diazepam was the most prescribed single drug.
Abstract: Drug prescribing patterns were studied retrospectively in 600 patients admitted to the medical wards of three Government hospitals and one private nursing home in the Kandy area of Sri Lanka. The mean drug exposure in the governmental institutions varied between 3.6 and 3.7, whereas at the private institution, patients were exposed to an average of 7.2 drugs. The three Government institutions used 87, 91 and 107 drugs. The private institution 201. There was no difference in drug exposure in relation to sex, but a tendency towards increased drug exposure was noted with increasing age and longer duration of stay. Antimicrobial agents were the most frequently prescribed class of drugs and diazepam the most prescribed single drug. The reasons for the extensive use of diazepam observed in this study are not clear.
TL;DR: Four new arylalkanones isolated from the stem bark of Myristica dactyloides were identified as 1-(2-methoxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)tetradecan-1-one, 1-(3′,4′-methylenedioxyphenol)-nonan- 1- one, 1-2,6-dihydroxyphensyl-2-one and 1-4,hydroxymethoxy