Analysis of NPK in Camellia sinensis, Gliricidia sepium, and Musa acuminata Biomasses for Preparation of an Organic Fertilizers Formula for Young Tea Plants (Musa acuminata) and Studying of Their Nutrient Release Capacity in the Biodegradation Process

This study investigates the nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) contents in raw biomasses of Camellia sinensis, Gliricidia sepium, and Musa acuminata. Therein, the highest N and P content was seen in Camellia sinensis 116.80 ± 0.08 mg and 66.00 ± 0.14 mg respectively. The highest K content (106.80 ± 0.04 mg) was observed in Musa acuminata. Next, all three types of plant materials were allowed to decompose in water for 3 weeks, and a sample from each was analyzed for NPK after the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd week during decomposition. A significant increase in the release of N, P, and K by the Camellia sinensis to water (P Musa acuminate were not significantly changed (P > 0.05) over time. The ratio for N:P:K was calculated for raw biomass samples and decomposed samples to find the best fitting N:P:K ratio to apply to young tea plants as organic fertilizers. In addition to that, the microbial insight of these organic compounds was analyzed by observing how microbial population increased with decomposition by the enumeration of the total microbial count. A considerable increment in total microbial count was observed up to 3.28 × 106, 1.21 × 1010, 2.18 × 108, and 6.49 × 107 CFU/ml for Camellia sinensis, Gliricidia sepium, Musa accuminata (leaves), and Musa accuminata (trunk) respectively. The presence of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and nitrogen solubilizing bacteria (NSB) throughout the decomposition period was confirmed by their growth on NBRIP and a modified nutrient medium that was specifically designed for the identification of ammonifiers respectively. Prepared fertilizer samples were applied to young tea plants that were grown in the Mawanella area in Sri Lanka (7°15'12.42"N 80°26'47.62"E) and according to the results, it is clear that fertilizer mixture 1 (N:P:K, 10:5:10, tea dust + Gliricidia + banana trunk) and fertilizer mixture 2 (N:P:K, 10:5:10, tea dust + Gliricidia + banana leaves) has the potential to increase the growth of young tea plants.

Diversity and species composition of microbiota associated with dengue mosquito breeding habitats:A cross-sectional study from selected areas in Udapalatha MOH division,Sri Lanka

Objective:To determine the diversity of microbiota associated with different breeding habitats of dengue vector mosquitoes Aedes(Ae.)aegypti and Ae.albopictus and to identify any parasitic,epibiont,pathogenic,competitive or predatory species.Methods:Sampling was performed from a variety of breeding habitats using dipping,pipetting and siphoning techniques.Microbiota in water samples were preserved using Rose Bengal solution and Lugol's iodine,and were identified.Live samples of microbiota were kept under laboratory conditions to observe any pathogenic or parasitic microbiota interacting with larvae.Results:A total of eleven microbiota species(Canthocamptus staphylinus,Canthocamptus microstaphylinus,Parastenocaris brevipes,Lepadella ovalis,Lepadella patella,Rotatoria rotatoria,Rotatoria macrura,Asplanchna brightwelli,Trichocerca rattus,Euglena variabilis,and Flagilaria capucina)belonging to four(4)phyla(Arthropoda,Rotifera,Euglenozoa,and Ochrophyta)and 8 microbiota species belonged to four phyla(Arthropoda,Rotifera,Euglenozoa,and Ochrophyta)were identified from Ae.aegypti and Ae.albopictus breeding habitats respectively.There was a higher percentage(54.54%)of larval habitats positive for the secondary vector Ae.albopictus than through the primary vector Ae.aegypti in the Gampola urban area indicating higher possibility of transmitting the dengue virus through the secondary vector.However,no pathogenic or parasitic ciliates on mosquito larvae were encountered in the present study.Those findings may be due to sampling maingly from temporary container-type breeding habitats.Conclusions:The relative distribution of microbiota associated with mosquito species differed significantly among Ae.aegypti and Ae.albopictus.The overall findings of this study could help in implementing novel eco-friendly vector-control strategies in the study area.

GIS-Based Situational Analysis of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Disease (CLD) in Sri Lanka

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a severe health problem and a parasitic disease on human dermal and widely pervades tropical and subtropical developing counties. The study is mainly focused on Geographic Information System (GIS) based Situational Analysis (SA). The clinically recorded 394 CL patients’ information was obtained from the District General Hospital of Polonnaruwa (DGHP) for 2017 and 2018. The spatial distribution of these patients was collected using Global Positing System (GPS). Moran’s I Index spatial autocorrelation technique and Getis-Ord Gi were used to identify the study site’s hot spot and cold spot areas. More than 75% of the CL patients’ population were highly involved with agricultural activities, and they are the highly exposed group of the CL in the study area. Also, 75% of the CL population were men, and the highly vulnerable age group was 35 - 39 men and 40 - 44 women. The generated Moran’s I Index indicates 0.0321, representing a randomly distributed pattern of CL patients over the District, and the Getis-Ord Gi Z Score value was >1.96 (p < 0.05). It is revealed that, during and in the post-harvesting periods of paddy cultivation, farmers are highly exposed to sandflies becoming CL patients. Due to this situation, the researchers observed that the highest number of patients have reported in May of both years and the infection period is two to four weeks earlier than the reported month. Hence to prevent the disease spread, it is essential to implement an awareness program regarding sandflies’ behaviour and CLD.

Ultrasound Evaluation of Caesarean Scar of Prelabour and Labour Caesarean Sections: A Cross Sectional Analytical Study

Caesarean section is dramatically increased throughout the world in recent years. Rupture of the uterus is a devastating complication in trial of labour following previous Caesarean section. Evidence suggests that the size of the uterine scar and the residual myometrial thickness (RMT) are associated directly with the risk of uterine rupture and risk of dehiscence in subsequent deliveries. Impact of the prelabour and labour Cesarean section on the RMT has not been studied in detail. Objectives: To compare RMT, Caesarean scar defects and to evaluate the elasticity of the Caesarean scar between women who underwent prelabour and labour Caesarean sections. Methods: This was a Cross sectional analytical study. Women who underwent Caesarean section in their first pregnancy were recruited. Sample was stratified to prelabour and labour Caesarean section groups. Transvaginal ultrasound scan was performed six months following the Caesarean section. Dimensions of the uterus, uterine scar defect, RMT and elastosonography of the uterine scar were assessed. Results: A total of 240 postpartum women were analyzed. Uterine niche was detectable in 194 subjects. Prelabour CS group had demonstrated 91.7% (n = 110) scar defects (uterine niche) out of 120 cases and the rate among labour CS group was 70% (n = 84). There was a significant difference in the presence of uterine niche among 2 groups as Prelabour group was found to have more scar defects (p mm (SD 1.2) and 4.99 mm (SD 1.3) respectively and there was no significant difference (t = 0.38, p = 0.71). There was no significant difference between the dimensions of the uterine CS defects of the studied groups. Prelabour CS group had significantly higher Target strain [0.28 vs. 0.24 (t = 2.12, p = 0.04)] and significantly less strain ratio [1.45 vs. 1.55 (t -2.42, p = 0.04)] than labour CS group indicating a better scar in prelabour group. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in RMT and uterine scar defects between prelabour and labour Caesarean section groups. But prelabour Caesarean section scars were less stiff than labour Caesarean section scars. Further studies are warranted to elaborate on the association.

Management strategies for common viral infections in pediatric renal transplant recipients

Viral infections have been considered as a major cause of morbidity and mortality after kidney transplantation in pediatric cohort.Children are at high risk of acquiring virus-related complications due to immunological immaturity and the enhanced alloreactivity risk that led to maintenance of high immunosuppressive regimes.Hence,prevention,early detection,and prompt treatment of such infections are of paramount importance.Among all viral infections,herpes viruses(herpes simplex virus,varicella zoster virus,Epstein-Barr virus,cytomegalovirus),hepatitis B and C viruses,BK polyomavirus,and respiratory viruses(respiratory syncytial virus,parainfluenza virus,influenza virus and adenovirus)are common in kidney transplant recipients.These viruses can cause systemic disease or allograft dysfunction affecting the clinical outcome.Recent advances in technology and antiviral therapy have improved management strategies in screening,monitoring,adoption of prophylactic or preemptive therapy and precise treatment in the immunocompromised host,with significant impact on the outcome.This review discusses the etiology,screening and monitoring,diagnosis,prevention,and treatment of common viral infections in pediatric renal transplant recipients.

Biliary microlithiasis,sludge,crystals, microcrystallization,and usefulness of assessment of nucleation time

BACKGROUND:The process of microcrystallization,its sequel and the assessment of nucleation time is ignored.This systematic review aimed to highlight the importance of biliary microlithiasis,sludge,and crystals,and their association with gallstones,unexplained biliary pain,idiopathic pancreatitis, and sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.DATA SOURCES:Three reviewers performed a literature search of the PubMed database.Key words used were'biliary microlithiasis','biliary sludge','bile crystals','cholesterol crystallisation','bile microscopy','microcrystal formation of bile','cholesterol monohydrate crystals','nucleation time of cholesterol','gallstone formation','sphincter of Oddi dysfunction'and'idiopathic pancreatitis'.Additional articles were sourced from references within the studies from the PubMed search.RESULTS:We found that biliary microcrystals account for almost all patients with gallstone disease,7%to 79%with idiopathic pancreatitis,83%with unexplained biliary pain, and 25%to 60%with altered biliary and pancreatic sphincter function.Overall,the detection of biliary microcrystals in gallstone disease has a sensitivity ranging from 55%to 87%and a specificity of 100%.In idiopathic pancreatitis,the presence of microcrystals ranges from 47%to 90%.A nucleation time less than 10 days in hepatic bile or ultra-filtered gallbladder bile has a specificity of 100%for cholesterol gallstone disease.CONCLUSIONS:Biliary crystals are associated with gallstone disease,idiopathic pancreatitis,sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, unexplained biliary pain,and post-cholecystectomy biliary pain.Pathways of cholesterol super-saturation,crystallisation, and gallstone formation have been described with scientificsupport.Bile microscopy is a useful method to detect microcrystals and the assessment of nucleation time is a good method of predicting the risk of cholesterol crystallisation.

Evaluation of PCR-ELISA as a tool for monitoring transmission of Wuchereria bancrofti in District of Gampaha,Sri Lanka

Objective:To compare Wuchereria bancrofti(W.bancrofti)infection rates of Culex quinquefasciatus,using dissection and PCR-EUSA in two consecutive time periods(from 2007to 2008 and from 2008 to 2009).Methods:Mosquitoes were collected in 30 sentinel and 15 nonsentinel sites in 15 Medical Officer of Health areas of Gampaha District known for the presence of W.bancrofti transmission in two consecutive time period of 2007 to 2008 and 2008 to 2009.Captured mosquitoes were dissected to determine the W.bancrofti larvae(L_1 L_2,L_3,).PCR was carried out using DNA extracted from mosquito pools(15 body parts/pool)utilizing the primers specific for Wb-Sspl repeat.PCR products were analyzed by hybridization ELISA using fluorescein-labeled wild type specific probes.The prevalence of infected/infective mosquiloes in PCR pools(3 pools/site)was estimated using the PoolSereen^(TM)algorithm and a novel probability—based method.Results:Of 45 batches of mosquitoes dissected,W.bancrofti infected mosquitoes were found in19 and 13 batches,with an infection rate of 13.29%and 3.10%with mean larval density of 8.7 and1.0 larvae per mosquito for two study periods in the Gampaha District.Total of 405 pools of head,thorax and abdomen were processed by PCR-EUSA for each year.Of these,51 and 31 pools were positive for W.bancrofti in the two study periods respectively.The association of dissection based prevalence rates with PCR based rates as determined by the Pearson correlation coefficient were0.176 and 0.890 respectively for the two periods.Conclusions:Data indicate that PCR-EUSA is more sensitive than the traditional dissection techniques for monitoring transmission intensity.

Clinical characteristics and outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma in alcohol related and cryptogenic cirrhosis: a prospective study

BACKGROUND： Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD） is becoming a leading cause of chronic liver disease. Hepato- cellular carcinoma （HCC） is one of its complications. Although the pathophysiology is unclear, it is reasonable to expect that cryptogenic cirrhosis related HCC （cryptogenic HCC） behaves differently to other types of HCC. This study prospectively compared patients with cryptogenic HCC and those with HCC related to alcoholic cirrhosis. METHODS： A total of 150 consecutive patients with HCC （89 cryptogenic HCC and 61 alcohol related HCC） referred to our unit over a 23-month period were studied. Their demographic data, liver function, tumor characteristics and outcomes were compared. RESULTS： Alcohol related HCC was seen only in males. Com- pared with cryptogenic HCC, alcohol related HCC had signifi- cantly higher aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotrans- ferase （AST/ALT） ratio （1.7 vs 1.4, P=0.002）, model for end- stage liver disease score （13 vs 11, P=0.018） and Child＇s score （7 vs 6, P=0.037）. No significant difference was seen in platelet counts, serum sodium and AST to platelet ratio index. Single nodular tumors were more common in cryptogenic HCC, while diffuse type tumors and macroscopic vascular invasion were common in alcohol related HCC. In patients who could not be offered any treatment because of advanced tumors or poor liver function, alcohol related HCC had a significantly lower median survival （5.3 months） compared with crypto- genic HCC （9.3 months, P=0.034）.CONCLUSIONS： Compared wtih cryptogenic HCC, alcohol related HCC had worse liver function and aggressive tumor morphology at presentation, and a higher proportion was untreatable. In patients who could not be treated, median sur- vival was lower in patients with alcohol related HCC than in those with cryptogenic HCC.

Heterologous expression,chaperone mediated solubilization and purification of parasitic nematode-specific growth factor-like protein of Setaria digitata

Objective:To clone,express and purify a putative parasitic nematode specific protein of Setaria digitata(S.digitata),filarial nematode that infects livestock and cause significant economic losses in Far East and Asia to he used for structural and functional analyses.Methods:To characterize uneharacterized gene of,S.digitata(SDUG),the herterologous expression of SDUG was carried out in the pET[cloned into pET45b(+)]expression system initially and co-expression of SDUC using chaperoiie plasmids pG-KJE8,pGro 7,pKJE7,pG-Tf2 and pTf16 containing chapcrone proteins of dnaK-dnaJ-grpE-groES-gro-E,groES-groEL,dnaK-dnaJ-grpE,groES-groEL-tig,and tig respectively,was carried out subsequently.Results:Expression of SDUG was seen when Escherichia coli strain BI.21(DE3)is used,while concentrating protein largely into the insoluble fraction.The co-expression of SDUG using chaperoiie plasmid mediated system indicated a significant increase of the protein in the soluble fraction.Of the chaperon plasniid sets,the highest amount of recombinant SDUP in the soluble fraction was seen when pGro7 was used in the presence of2 mg/mL L-arabinosc and 0.6M IPTG concentration in the culture medium and for 3 h of incubation at the temperature of 28℃.Recombinant SDUG was purified both from soluble and insoluble fractions using Ni affinity chromatography.SDS-PAGE and western blot analyses of these proteins revealed a single band having expected size of^24 kDa.Conclusions:SDUG seems to be more aggregate-prone and hydrophobic in nature and such protein can make soluble by correct selecting the inducer concentrations and induction temperature and its duration.

Accuracy of Measuring Axillary Temperature Using Mercury in Glass Thermometers in Children under Five Years: A Cross Sectional Observational Study

Background: Measuring axillary temperature with mercury in glass thermometers is continued in clinical practice though there are many limitations. This is mainly due to convenience and cost. This study was conducted to ascertain the accuracy of measuring axillary temperature with mercury thermometers in preschool children. Methods: Axillary temperature was measured in 250 preschool children using standardized mercury thermometers. Time taken to record the final temperature and its correlates were assessed. Results: Time taken to record the final temperature extended up to six minutes. This duration varied according to age, body mass index and body temperature, but a significant variation was noted only with age. Conclusions: Measuring axillary temperature with mercury thermometers is subjected to error. They need to be replaced with suitable alternatives.

Genetic associations of inflammatory bowel disease in a South Asian population

AIM To estimate prevalence and phenotypic associations of selected inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)-associated genetic variants among Sri Lankan patients. METHODS A case study of histologically confirmed ulcerative colitis(UC) or Crohn's disease(CD) patients with ≥ 1 year disease duration, who were compared to unrelated, gender-matched, healthy individuals as controls, was conducted at four major centers in Sri Lanka. Phenotypic data of the cases were obtained and all participants were genotyped for 16 selected genetic variants: IL12 B :rs1045431, IL23 R :rs11805303, ARPC2 :rs12612347, IRGM :rs13361189, IL26/IL22 :rs1558744, CDH1 :rs1728785, IL10 :rs3024505, FCGR2 A :rs3737240, PTGER4 :rs4613763, IL17 REL/PIM3 :rs5771069, HNF4 a :rs6017342, STAT3 :rs744166, SMURF1 :rs7809799, LAMB1 :rs886774, HLA-DRB5, DQA1, DRB1, DRA :rs9268853, MST1, UBA7, and APEH :rs9822268. The genotypes of all variants were in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium(P > 10^(-3)). To account for multiple hypothesis testing, P-values < 0.003 were considered significant.RESULTS A total of 415 patients and 465 controls were recruited. Out of the single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) tested, the majority were not associated with IBD in Sri Lankans. Significant positive associations were noted between rs886774(LAMB1-gene) and UC(odds ratio(OR) = 1.42, P = 0.001). UC patients with rs886774 had mild disease(OR = 1.66, P < 0.001) and remained in remission(OR = 1.48, P < 0.001). A positive association was noted between rs10045431(IL 12 B gene) and upper gastrointestinal involvement in CD(OR = 4.76, P = 0.002). CONCLUSION This confirms the heterogeneity of allelic mutations in South Asians compared to Caucasians. Most SNPs and disease associations reported here have not been described in South Asians.

Duodenum-preserving local excision of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor

BACKGROUND:Duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare. Because of the complex anatomy of the duodenum, the methods of resection of these tumors are controversial and diverse. METHODS:We report a case of a duodenal GIST in the anterolateral wall of the second part of the duodenum, which was successfully managed by local excision. The surgery was facilitated by preoperative mapping with Indian ink and navigation by endoscopy to assess the adequacy of resection and to avoid injury to the ampulla. RESULT:Reconstruction was successful with a duodeno-jejunostomy and protected by a nasoduodenal drain. CONCLUSION:The patient had no postoperative complications and the tumor was confirmed to be a GIST of the duodenum successful with an adequate resection margin.

Presence of Obstetrics Cholestasis in Mothers Presenting with Pruritus in Pregnancy: In a Low Resource South Asian Setting

Obstetric cholestasis (also referred to as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy—ICP) is a pruritic form of reversible cholestasis that is associated with significant fetal risks. There is a paucity of research regarding pregnancy outcomes of the mothers with obstetric cholestasis in the South Asian setting. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of obstetric cholestasis among mothers presenting with pruritus during pregnancy and to describe the characteristics and outcomes for those diagnosed with ICP in comparison with those with pruritus in the absence of ICP. Methods: All mothers presenting with pruritus to De Soyza Maternity hospital in Colombo Sri Lanka, between 1st January 2011 to 1st January 2014, were recruited for the study. A standard set of biochemical tests were used for diagnosis of ICP. An interviewer administered questionnaire and patient records were used for data collection. Presentation, characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were assessed and compared for mothers with ICP against those with pruritus in the absence of ICP. Results: The prevalence of ICP in the study population was found to be 27% (n = 27). Generalized pruritus with pruritus of the palms and soles was identified as the commonest pattern of pruritus for diagnosed with ICP. Delivery before 37 weeks (p = 0.001), meconium stained liquor (p = 0.004), placental abruption (p = 0.005), postpartum hemorrhage (p = 0.005), bleeding manifestation (p = 0.006), preterm labor (p = 0.031) and fetal distress (p = 0.035) were found to be significantly associated with the presence of ICP. Conclusions: Nearly 1/3 of mothers presenting with pruritus in pregnancy in Sri Lanka are affected by ICP which is associated with an increase in a wide range of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes compared to those with pruritus in the absence of ICP.

Temperature Effects on Gas Sensing Properties of Electrodeposited Chlorine Doped and Undoped n-Type Cuprous Oxide Thin Films

As one of the most widely used domestic fuels, the detection of possible leakages of Liquefied Petroleum (LP) gas from production plants, from cylinders during their storage, transport and usage is of utmost importance. This article discusses a study of the response of undoped and chlorine doped electrodeposited n-type Cuprous Oxide (Cu2O) films to of LP gas. Undoped n-type Cu2O films were fabricated in an electrolyte bath containing a solution of sodium acetate and cupric acetate whereas n-type chlorine doped Cu2O thin films were prepared by adding a 0.02 M cuprous chloride (CuCl2) into an electrolyte solution containing lactic acid, cupric sulfate and sodium hydroxide. The n-type conductivity of the deposited films was determined using spectral response measurements. The structural and morphological properties of the fabricated films were monitored using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Due to doping, the overall conductivity of the chlorine doped n-type Cu2O films increased by several orders of magnitude. The temperature dependent gas responses of both the undoped and chlorine doped n-type Cu2O thin films to the LP gas was monitored by measuring the electrical resistance (R), and using the contact probe method at a constant gas flow rate of 0.005 ml/s. Upon exposure to gases, both doped and undoped films showed a good response to the gas by increasing/decreasing the electrical resistance by ΔR. The undoped n-type Cu2O thin films showed a negative response (ΔR 2O thin films initially showed a positive response (ΔR > 0) to the LP gas which then reversed its sign to give a negative response which peaked at 52°C. The positive response shown by the chlorine doped Cu2O films vanished completely at 42°C.

Case Study on Identification of Flood Hazard in the Lower Catchment Area of the Attanagalu Oya River Basin

The present work aims to identify flood hazards and risks, particularly to the Attanagalu Oya river basin in Gampaha district, the western province in Sri Lanka. Attanagalu Oya river catchment area periodically faced flood hazards. The flood is categorized by complex like 2008, 2010, 2016, 2017, and it chose 2016 as the primary flood event. Study areas have been selected depending on data availability. Attanagalu Oya river basin is mainly focused as a study area. However, here selected only four Grama Niladhari Divisions are as a sample area. Those are;Kirindivita, Ambanvita, Thammita West, Gonagaha1. Furthermore, many flood hazards can be identified when considering the flood events history. But here selected only two years were 2010 and 2016. These two years were selected with high flood events. For the study, that flood series used 1 feet elevation contours used to identify flood levels and used LiDAR image to identify risk areas in the study site. Due to the blockage of the main waterways that discharge water into the Negombo Lagoon, limited water transportation, low lying land reclamation for development, mainly affect paddy lands and roads, and flood as a major problem identified temporarily and spatially. Eventually, the study could identify flood-prone areas and map the risk zones within the study area.

Larvicidal activity of the pericarp extract of Garcinia mangostana against dengue vector Aedes aegypti in Sri Lanka

Objective:To assess the larvicidal activity of mangosteen(Garcinia mangostana)against larval stages of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.Methods:A crude extract was prepared in ethanol from powdered mangosteen pericarps.A concentration gradient(0.01-4.92 g/L)was prepared from the stock solution.Seven batches of 25 third instar larvae of Aedes aegypti were used for larval bioassays.Larval mortality rates were observed after one and 24 hours.Cholesterol and total lipid contents in 20 randomly selected dead larvae at each trial were assessed by colorimetric method.The experimental setup was repeated five times.The General Linear Model and Probit analysis were used to evaluate the relationship of mortality with cholesterol level,total lipid level and cholesterol to total lipid ratio.Results:The percentage mortalities significantly varied with different concentrations(F_(7,32)=385.737;P<0.001).The LC50 and LC99 values were(0.041±0.006)g/L and(10.616±1.758)g/L,respectively after 24 hours.There was no mortality recorded within the one-hour exposure time.Only the cholesterol content(F_(5,24)=173.245;P<0.001)in larvae exposed to different concentrations denoted a significantly decreasing trend within 24-hour exposure.Larvae that were exposed to the lowest concentration(0.55 g/L)showed a higher cholesterol level(22.67±1.33)μg.Conclusions:The Garcinia mangostana extract acts as an effective sterol carrier protein inhibitor that inhibits cholesterol uptake in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.Hence,it could be explored for use as a key source for the development of an environment-friendly plant-based larvicide.

Symptoms of dengue at the acute and post-infection stage in the Western Province, Sri Lanka:A cross-sectional study

Objective: To describe the symptoms of dengue at acute and post-infection stage and to identify preventive strategies adopted by the patients in the Western Province, Sri Lanka.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the Western Province of Sri Lanka in November 2017. The study population consisted of 473 confirmed dengue patients aged from 18 to 64 years who were hospitalized between June and August 2017. A stratified random sampling technique was applied to select the participants. Data collection was done by trained interviewers, using a structured, pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Results: The most common symptoms of dengue fever at the acute stage was body ache(81.81%, n=387), followed by headache(71.67%, n=339), loss of appetite(66.80%, n=316), tiredness(53.06 %, n=251) and vomiting(41.86%, n=198). The most common symptom during the post-infection stage was body ache(48.62%, n=230), followed by fatigue(39.74%, n=188), and loss of appetite(28.75%, n=136). Adding sand to the water in places where water accumulates(41.64%, n=197) was the most common method used to prevent transmission of dengue followed by removing/draining stagnant water regularly(36.15%, n=177). Use of mosquito nets(83.08%, n=393) was the most common method in preventing mosquito bites followed by the use of fans among dengue patients(56.02%, n=265).Conclusions: The study shows a prolonged persistence of clinical symptoms during the postinfection period.

Genetic variation of sand flies(Diptera:Psychodidae)in Gampaha and Kurunegala districts of Sri Lanka:Complementing the morphological identification

Objective:To identity the variation of sand flies in the Gampaha and Kurunegala districts of Sri Lanka and to assess DNA barcoding as a complementing method for morphological identification.Methods:A total of 38441 sand flies were collected from selected localities in Gampaha and Kurunegala districts using standard entomological techniques from May 2017 to December 2018.Specimens were identified using morphological features and compared with mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunitⅠgene-based DNA barcoding as an alternative tool.Results:Morphological and molecular identification confirmed the presence of four species under two genera(Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia).Phlebotomus argentipes was the predominant species,followed by Sergentomyia(S.)punjabensis,S.babu insularis,and an unidentified Sergentomyia sp.Phlebotomus argentipes showed a clear genetic differentiation from other species.S.babu insularis and S.punjabensis showed a higher genetic affinity to each other than the unidentified species.The unidentified Sergentomyia species is morphologically similar to S.zeylanica,but differs only in clavate gonostyle.Conclusions:DNA barcoding is an effective technique for the identification of sand flies.Further studies using molecular techniques will improve the knowledge of the cryptic diversity of Sri Lankan sand fly fauna.Establishing a reliable and standardized identification system for sand fly species in Sri Lanka is recommended.