Prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes in Sri Lanka: a new global hotspot-estimates from the Sri Lanka Health and Ageing Survey 2018/2019.

Introduction: This study's objective was to produce robust, comparable estimates of the prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes in the Sri Lankan adult population, where previous studies suggest the highest prevalence in South Asia.

Research Design And Methods: We used data on 6661 adults from the nationally representative 2018/2019 first wave of the Sri Lanka Health and Ageing Study (SLHAS). We classified glycemic status based on previous diabetes diagnosis, and either fasting plasma glucose (FPG), or FPG and 2-hour plasma glucose (2-h PG).

Dengue Virus Inhibition by Aqueous Extracts of , and .

Dengue is an arboviral (insect-transmitted) infection of global concern. Currently, there are still no specific dengue antiviral agents to treat the disease. Plant extracts have been used in traditional medicine for treating various viral infections - thus, in the present study, aqueous extracts of dried flowers of (AM), whole plant of (MP) and leaves of (PG) were investigated for their potential capacity to inhibit dengue virus infection of Vero cells.

Single-cell profiling reveals distinct subsets of CD14+ monocytes drive blood immune signatures of active tuberculosis.

Introduction: Previous studies suggest that monocytes are an important contributor to tuberculosis (TB)-specific immune signatures in blood.

Methods: Here, we carried out comprehensive single-cell profiling of monocytes in paired blood samples of active TB (ATB) patients at diagnosis and mid-treatment, and healthy controls.

Results: At diagnosis, ATB patients displayed increased monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, increased frequency of CD14+CD16- and intermediate CD14+CD16+ monocytes, and upregulation of interferon signaling genes that significantly overlapped with previously reported blood TB signatures in both CD14+ subsets.

Reactogenicity and persistence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among recipients of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine: A single center experience from Sri Lanka.

Objectives: Actual world data on vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are imperative for future immunization decisions. We studied the reactogenicity and IgG response in a cohort dually vaccinated with the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine.

Methods: This prospective study recruited 494 ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine recipients at the University Hospital KDU between January 30 and February 5, 2021, and followed up for 9 months.

Ketogenic Diet as Medical Prescription in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Purpose Of Review: The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine dysfunction associated with a myriad of metabolic disorders and high rate of infertility. In order to aid its management, several lifestyle/dietary interventions have been evaluated. Very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) is rapidly showing promising benefits not only in obesity but also in the treatment of other metabolic diseases.

Incidence management system of the healthcare institutions for disaster management in Sri Lanka.

Background: Incident management systems and disaster planning processes facilitate maximal use of available resources. Evaluation of the Incident Command System (ICS) is one of the top five key areas of research priority in the field of surge. The study was aimed at assessing the disaster preparedness and ICS of the public healthcare institutions for the disaster management in a disaster-prone district of Sri Lanka.

Severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection among vaccinated individuals: A hospital-based study.

Introduction: Post-vaccination infections impart the need for real-world data on protection conferred by the vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. We aimed to evaluate the severity of post-vaccination COVID-19 and the predictors of severe disease.

Methods: This cross-sectional study analysed data from 307 patients admitted to the University Hospital KDU with confirmed COVID- 19 from March 1st to November 1st, 2021, after receiving at least a single dose of a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2.

Epidemiology and renal injury following 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) poisoning.

2-Methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) is a widely used chlorophenoxy herbicide. MCPA poisoning causes mitochondrial dysfunction, which can lead to kidney injury and death. The objective of this study is to describe the epidemiology, case fatality and extent of renal injury in a large cohort of MCPA self-poisonings.

Videos of demonstration versus text and image-based material for pre-skill conceptualisation in flipped newborn resuscitation training for medical students: a pilot study.

Background: The flipped skills lab is a student-centred approach which incorporates pre-class preparation (pre-skill conceptualization) followed by repeated, hands-on practice for practical skills training. Objective measures of skills acquisition in the flipped literature are few and conflicting. The importance of pre-skill conceptualization in flipped skills training suggests that pedagogically informed pre-skill conceptualization can enhance outcomes.

Identifying the research, advocacy, policy and implementation needs for the prevention and management of respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract infection in low- and middle-income countries.

Introduction: The high burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in young children disproportionately occurs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The PROUD (Preventing RespiratOry syncytial virUs in unDerdeveloped countries) Taskforce of 24 RSV worldwide experts assessed key needs for RSV prevention in LMICs, including vaccine and newer preventive measures.

Methods: A global, survey-based study was undertaken in 2021.

Biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance among Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus species isolated from central venous catheters of intensive care unit patients.

Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the biofilm formation of coagulase negative Staphylococcus species (CoNS) isolated from patients with catheter related blood stream infection (CRBSI) and colonized central venous catheters (CVC) and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns and in situ biofilm formation of CVC tips.

Methods: Eighty-two CoNS isolated from intensive care unit (ICU) patients with CRBSI (n ​= ​8) or colonized CVC (n ​= ​74) were included. Species identification and antibiotic susceptibility test were done.

Immuno-dominant dengue NS1 peptides as antigens for production of monoclonal antibodies.

Synthetic peptides have recently become common as antigens for antibody production. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that can be used to elicit an immune response. The immunogenicity of the peptide antigens varies depending on the length, charge, solubility, and amino acids contained in the peptide sequence.

Experiences of family caregivers of the older people with limitations in activities: A qualitative study.

Functional disabilities increase with ageing and limitations in daily living activities (ADLs) occurred as a consequence. Older people living at home may therefore become dependent on family members in managing activities in daily living. As the informal caregivers' role is known to be challenging, their experiences need to be explored to strengthen their new roles as family caregivers.

Age and sex related variations of adult human ocular volumes in the Sri Lankan population: an evaluation using magnetic resonance imaging.

Introduction: Variations in the human ocular volumes are related to ocular pathologies including congenital glaucoma, microphthalmus, buphthalmus, and macrophthalmus. As the currently published reference ocular volumes are prone to physiological and racial variations, population specific values may provide more precision in ophthalmological interventions. This study was conducted to assess the age and sex dependent differences in ocular volumes in Sri Lankan individuals using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

A health promotion intervention to address youth violence among students in a technical college in Sri Lanka guided by the participatory action research approach: a study protocol.

Background: Youth violence is a global public health issue and the highest rates are reported in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Higher rates of youth violence are reported in Sri Lanka as well. Students who fail to continue higher studies in schools or enter the universities in Sri Lanka, enroll in technical colleges and are associated with a higher number of risk factors of violence.

Relationship Between Alcohol Co-Ingestion and Clinical Outcome in Pesticide Self-Poisoning: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Aim: Alcohol is a commonly co-ingested compound during self-poisoning with pesticides. Clinical experiences suggest alcohol co-ingestion (or withdrawal) makes patient management more difficult after self-poisoning and may contribute to poor clinical outcomes. We aimed to systematically review the world literature to explore the relationship between alcohol co-ingestion and outcome in pesticide self-poisoning.

Description of a telephone and Internet-based intervention to improve community responses to COVID-19 spread.

Background: This paper describes the process and results of a health promotion intervention to engage lay communities using telephone and online communication, to improve their current responses to the spread of COVID-19.

Methods: An intervention was conducted from March to July 2020 in three districts of Sri Lanka. Seven 'trigger' stories were shared through telephone or online communication to stimulate brainstorming and to engage selected community members.

Effects of neuromuscular gait modification strategies on indicators of knee joint load in people with medial knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: This systematic review aimed to determine the effects of neuromuscular gait modification strategies on indicators of medial knee joint load in people with medial knee osteoarthritis.

Methods: Databases (Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, CINAHL and PubMed) were searched for studies of gait interventions aimed at reducing medial knee joint load indicators for adults with medial knee osteoarthritis. Studies evaluating gait aids or orthoses were excluded.

Prevalence and Associations of Hypertension in Sri Lankan Adults: Estimates from the SLHAS 2018-19 Survey Using JNC7 and ACC/AHA 2017 Guidelines.

Background: Sri Lanka lacks robust estimates of hypertension (HTN) prevalence owing to few national studies, hindering optimization of control strategies. Evidence on how the revised 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) HTN definition affects prevalence in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is also limited.

Objectives: To make robust estimates of HTN prevalence in the Sri Lankan adult population, and to assess impact of the ACC/AHA 2017 definitions.

Distribution of mecA and qacA/B genes among coagulase negative staphylococci isolated from central venous catheters of intensive care unit patients.

Purpose: This study was designed to detect the prevalence of antibiotic and antiseptic resistance genes, mecA and qacA/B in coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) species isolated from intensive care unit patients with catheter related blood stream infections (CRBSI) or colonized central venous catheters (CVC).

Methods: Consecutive CoNS isolates from ICU patients with CRBSI or colonized central venous catheters were speciated and antibiotic susceptibilities were determined. The mecA and qacA/B genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction.

An unusual presentation of anaphylaxis with severe hypertension: a case report.

Background: Low blood pressure and associated postural symptoms are well-recognized manifestations of anaphylaxis. Nonetheless, anaphylaxis can present with high blood pressure and is rarely reported in the literature. We report an unusual presentation of anaphylaxis with severe supine hypertension and orthostatic intolerance.

Evaluation of exposure factors of dual-energy contrast-enhanced mammography to optimize radiation dose with improved image quality.

Background: Dual-energy contrast-enhanced mammography (DECEM) is an advanced breast imaging technique of digital mammography.

Purpose: To assess the total radiation dose received from complete DECEM using different combinations of exposure parameters for low- and high-energy images.

Materials And Methods: A dedicated phantom with three different concentrations of iodine inserts was used.