Browsing by Author "Seneviratne, S."

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A Determination of air pollution in Colombo and Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry on Heterodermia speciosa
(Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK), 2011) Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N.; Ranundeniya, R.M.N.S.; Najim, M.M.M.; Seneviratne, S.
Sri Lanka is facing severe environmental problems such as air and water pollution due to rapid industrialisation and urbanisation. Because there have not been many studies on heavy metal pollution in Sri Lanka, the present study attempts to contribute to the literature a determination of metal pollution using indicators found in lichen specimens. Our study utilised energy dispersive X-ray l uorescence spectrometry to determine element concentrations resulting from air pollution in the lichen species Heterodermia speciosa Wulfen. h ese samples, collected from Colombo and Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, were analysed using the energy dispersive X-ray l uorescence (EDXRF) method in order to determine the concentrations of 13 dif erent elements. A radioisotope excited X-ray l uorescence analysis was applied to the elemental analysis of lichens using the method of multiple standard addition. Our qualitative analysis of spectral peaks showed that the samples contained potassium, calcium, titanium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, lead, bromine, rubidium, strontium, yttrium, and gallium. Samples from the environment around Colombo, which is a highly congested urban area with much industrial development, were found to be more polluted when compared with Kurunegala, a city that is less congested and without industries. Concentrations of K, Ca, Ti, and Fe were always higher than other elemental concentrations in the lichens we analysed, a fact attributed to the proximity to the sea or exposed earth crustal sources. From the elements reported from the 2 cities, K, Ca, Ti, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Pb were reported at concentrations higher than background levels. Levels of Pb and Zn in samples from Colombo were higher than those from Kurunegala, relecting the increased vehicular trai c. h is study reveals that the common lichen species Heterodermia speciosa can be used as an indicator lichen to analyse the pollution level and other elements in the atmosphere.
Characteristics and outcomes of community health worker training to improve the prevention and control of cardiometabolic diseases in low and middle-income countries: A systematic review
(Sage, 2022) Seneviratne, S.; Desloge, A.; Haregu, T.; Kwasnicka, D.; Kasturiratne, A.; Mandla, A.; Chambers, J.; Oldenburg, B.
Community health workers (CHWs) play an important role in controlling non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this review was to describe the characteristics and outcomes of CHW training programs that focused on the prevention and control of cardiometabolic diseases in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Medline, CINAHL Complete, Academic Search Complete, Directory of Open Access Journal, ScienceDirect, ERIC, Gale Academic, and OneFile). Studies that described the training programs used to train CHWs for prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases and type2 diabetes mellitus in LMICs. Only studies that evaluated the outcomes of training programs in at least one of the 4 levels of Kirkpatrick's training evaluation model were included in the review. CHWs who underwent training focused on the prevention and control of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We summarized the resulting evidence using qualitative synthesis through a narrative review. Training outcomes were assessed in relation to (1) CHW reactions to training, their degree of learning, and their behaviors following training, and (2) changes in biochemical and anthropometric indicators in target populations following the CHW program implementation. PROSPERO (CRD42020162116). Thirty-two studies were included. Methods used to train CHWs included: face-to-face lectures, interactive group activities, and blended teaching with online support. Training focused on identifying people with elevated risk of cardiometabolic diseases and their risk factors as well as supporting people to adopt healthy lifestyles. Many studies that utilized trained CHWs did not publish CHW training methods and evaluations, and therefore could not be included in this study. Training programs resulted in an increase in knowledge and skills among CHWs demonstrating that there are certain activities that can be shifted to CHWs following training.
A determination of air pollution in Colombo and Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry on Heterodermia speciosa
(The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, 2011) Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N.; Ranundeniya, R.M.N.S.; Najim, M.M.M.; Seneviratne, S.
ABSTRACT: Sri Lanka is facing severe environmental problems such as air and water pollution due to rapid industrialisation and urbanisation. Because there have not been many studies on heavy metal pollution in Sri Lanka, the present study attempts to contribute to the literature a determination of metal pollution using indicators found in lichen specimens. Our study utilised energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry to determine element concentrations resulting from air pollution in the lichen species Heterodermia speciosa Wulfen. These samples, collected from Colombo and Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, were analysed using the energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) method in order to determine the concentrations of 13 different elements. A radioisotope excited X-ray fluorescence analysis was applied to the elemental analysis of lichens using the method of multiple standard addition. Our qualitative analysis of spectral peaks showed that the samples contained potassium, calcium, titanium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, lead, bromine, rubidium, strontium, yttrium, and gallium. Samples from the environment around Colombo, which is a highly congested urban area with much industrial development, were found to be more polluted when compared with Kurunegala, a city that is less congested and without industries. Concentrations of K, Ca, Ti, and Fe were always higher than other elemental concentrations in the lichens we analysed, a fact attributed to the proximity to the sea or exposed earth crustal sources. From the elements reported from the 2 cities, K, Ca, Ti, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Pb were reported at concentrations higher than background levels. Levels of Pb and Zn in samples from Colombo were higher than those from Kurunegala, reflecting the increased vehicular traffic. This study reveals that the common lichen species Heterodermia speciosa can be used as an indicator lichen to analyse the pollution level and other elements in the atmosphere. © TÜBITAK. AUTHOR KEYWORDS: Air; EDXRF; Heterodermia; Lichens; Metal pollution. INDEX KEYWORDS: atmospheric pollution; concentration (composition); fungus; heavy metal; lichen; radionuclide; spectrometry; urban area; X-ray fluorescence, Colombo; Sri Lanka; Western Province [Sri Lanka], Heterodermia; Heterodermia speciosa
First co-infection of malaria and hepatitis E diagnosed in Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2023) Senarathne, S.; Rajapakse, S.; de Silva, H.J.; Seneviratne, S.; Chulasiri, P.; Fernando, D.
INTRODUCTION: Imported malaria cases continue to be reported in Sri Lanka. Similarly, hepatitis E is also considered a travel associated imported disease in Sri Lanka. This is a report of the first co-infection of malaria and hepatitis E in Sri Lanka. OBJECTIVES: A 21-year-old European who visited Sri Lanka after a 2 months stay in India, was admitted to hospital with fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dark-coloured urine on the 4th day after his arrival. On examination, he had splenomegaly but no hepatomegaly. He had thrombocytopaenia; 89% neutrophils; 9% lymphocytes; elevated liver enzymes and hyperbilirubinaemia. Urine was positive for bile pigment. METHODS: Considering his travel history to India, he was tested for malaria. The rapid diagnostic test became positive for Plasmodium falciparum while microscopy showed P. falciparum ring stages with a parasite density of 120/μl. He was treated as for uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria with oral Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy. The patient became fever-free and blood smears became negative after 13 hours following 2 doses of antimalarials. RESULTS: However, his liver functions were further deranged with apparent jaundice (ALT: 250 U/L; AST: 175 U/L; ALP: 130 U/L; GGT: 179 U/L; total bilirubin: 10.65 mg/dL; direct bilirubin: 8.08 mg/dL; indirect bilirubin: 2.57 mg/dL). Further blood tests detected hepatitis E-specific IgM antibodies. He was treated with oral ursodiol but no specific antiviral was given. Following the completion of antimalarials, he was discharged from the hospital upon clinical recovery. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be vigilant on travel-associated co-infections in patients who are diagnosed with imported malaria.
The first reported case of co-infection of imported hepatitis E and Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Sri Lanka
(Sri Lankan Society for Microbiology, 2023) Senarathne, S.; Rajapakse, S.; de Silva, H.J.; Seneviratne, S.; Chulasiri, P.; Fernando, D.
Global travel and tourism, especially across tropical countries, may lead to importation of malaria and other infectious diseases into Sri Lanka. This case report describes the first co-infection of imported hepatitis E and Plasmodium falciparum malaria in a tourist diagnosed in Sri Lanka. The patient was initially diagnosed with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria and was started on treatment with oral Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT). Deterioration of hepatic enzymes and hyperbilirubinaemia despite the rapid parasitological response to antimalarials led to further investigation and diagnosis of co-infecting hepatitis E in this patient. The importance of clinicians being vigilant on travel associated co-infections is highlighted to ensure early diagnosis and better patient management.
Heritage & Silent Diplomacy as Soft Power: The SAARC & IORAC
(Centre for Heritage Studies, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2019) Seneviratne, S.
I wish to focus on an integral geographical scape represented by the SAARC & IORAC. Located between two World Systems, this region carries some of the earliest civilizations on the one hand and Colonial domination for over four centuries on the other. The essential ingredients that shaped the identity of the SAARC-IORAC region is the commonality of its heritage and also the shared memory of Colonialism. The region itself is located in the strategic junction between two World Systems to its east and the west and also represents one of the fastest growing economic engines. It is also not an accident that most of the countries in this region are also members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). The region itself presents a platform for understanding each other and the value of our shared heritage. This provides us with a strong bond to resolve historical contradictions as a shared problem within the region and by reaching out to each other in a mutually beneficial manner. We need to adhere to a strategy beyond conflict zones, both, physically and as a cognitive value. The resolve to opt for Track 3 diplomacy is one such alternative and People-to-people diplomacy undertaken by individuals and private group is a positive option. Cultural and other initiatives (prayers, pilgrimages, performance arts, academic exchange and seminars etc.) brings people together for a greater understanding beyond the officialdom and bureaucracies. Heritage, plurality, diversity, inclusivity nurtured by silent diplomacy may be listed among a gentle path that could embrace individuals, non-state organizations and even an amalgam between the state policy and such outreach programs. Perhaps one of the most effective and sensitive connectivity is inter-cultural and inter- religious initiatives between and among countries high lighting people to people connectivity as a win-win strategy. Twining heritage sites; inter regional food, music/theatre/film, craft carnivals etc. present a long list of activism centered projects. Heritage for conflict resolution and outreach programs on peace education (e.g. Sri Lanka - South India heritage programs done by Seneviratne is a case in point). Outreach programs need to be carried out with the participatory role of UN/UNESCO, Ministries of foreign affairs-and Line Ministries. The region itself does not require third party peace merchants from outside the region or their subalterns in the region to educate us on our shared legacy and the value of mutual respect for each other. Mutual understanding and respect for each other and the ability to work together will one day be the strongest deterrent preventing the Balkanization of South Asia and IORAC. In a conflict and competition ridden globe, heritage and silent diplomacy will eventually be appreciated as a value-added bench-mark of soft power.
A malaria death due to an imported Plasmodium falciparum infection in Sri Lanka during the prevention of re-establishment phase of malaria
(BioMed Central, 2023) Seneviratne, S.; Fernando, D.; Chulasiri, P.; Gunasekera, K.; Thenuwara, N.; Aluthweera, C.; Wijesundara, A.; Fernandopulle, R.; Mendis, K.; Wickremasinghe, R.
BACKGROUND: Sri Lanka has maintained a rigorous programme to prevent the re-establishment of malaria ever since the disease was eliminated in October 2012. It includes efforts to sustain case surveillance to ensure early diagnosis and management of malaria. Yet, in April of 2023 the death occurred of an individual with imported malaria. CASE PRESENTATION: The deceased was a 37-year-old Sri Lankan male who returned to Sri Lanka on the 10th of April after a business trip to several countries including Tanzania. He was febrile on arrival and consulted three Allopathic Medical Practitioners in succession in his home town in the Western Province of Sri Lanka, over a period of 5 days starting from the very day that he arrived in the country. Malaria was not tested for at any of these consultations and his clinical condition deteriorated. On the evening of 14th of April he was admitted to the medical intensive care unit of a major private hospital in the capital city of Colombo with multiple organ failure. There, on a request by the treating physician blood was tested for malaria and reported early the next morning as Plasmodium falciparum malaria with a high parasitaemia (> 10%). The patient died shortly after on the 15th of April before any anti-malarial medication was administered. The deceased had been a frequent business traveller to Africa, but with no past history of malaria. He had not taken chemoprophylaxis for malaria on this or previous travels to Africa. DISCUSSION: The patient's P. falciparum infection progressed rapidly over 5 days of arriving in Sri Lanka leading to severe malaria without being diagnosed, despite him seeking healthcare from three different Medical Practitioners. Finally, a diagnosis of malaria was made on admission to an intensive care unit; the patient died before anti-malarial medicines were administered. CONCLUSIONS: This first death due to severe P. falciparum malaria reported in Sri Lanka after elimination of the disease was due to the delay in diagnosing malaria.
Neuroacanthocytosis-a case report
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 1997) Gunatilake, S.B.; de Silva, H.J.; Seneviratne, S.; Fonseka, M.
No Abstract Available
Tardive Dyskinesia in an 8-year-old child
(Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists, 2014) Chandradasa, M.; Champika, L.; Kotalawala, S.; Seneviratne, S.; Siriwardene, G.; Perera, H.
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is an uncommon presentation in children, which can be disabling and irreversible when it does occur. An 8 year old boy, with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and borderline intelligence, developed features suggestive of TD on withdrawal of long-term haloperidol medication. After recommencing haloperidol at a lower dose his symptoms improved clinically and the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale score also decreased. Haloperidol was tailed off gradually and vitamin E was initiated