Subfamily evolution analysis using nuclear and chloroplast data from the same reads.

The chloroplast (cp) genome is a widely used tool for exploring plant evolutionary relationships, yet its effectiveness in fully resolving these relationships remains uncertain. Integrating cp genome data with nuclear DNA information offers a more comprehensive view but often requires separate datasets. In response, we employed the same raw read sequencing data to construct cp genome-based trees and nuclear DNA phylogenetic trees using Read2Tree, a cost-efficient method for extracting conserved nuclear gene sequences from raw read data, focusing on the Aurantioideae subfamily, which includes Citrus and its relatives.

Spatio-temporal variation of microbial indicators of river water and treatment efficiencies of drinking water treatment plants along the upper Mahaweli River segment of Sri Lanka.

The microbial pollution status of river surface water is important to ensure a river-based quality drinking water supply for the public. The present study aimed to investigate bacterial contamination status in the upper Mahaweli River, the main drinking water supplier to the hill country of Sri Lanka. Both the raw surface water and treated water, taken at 14 drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) along the river segment of 60 km between Kotmale and Victoria reservoirs, were tested for total bacterial counts (TBC), total coliform counts (TCC) and faecal coliform counts (FCC).

The need for pediatric sleep education to enhance healthcare for children and adolescents: A global perspective from a survey of members of the international pediatric sleep association.

Introduction: Sleep concerns have become increasingly common over the past few decades. This study outlines the perceived needs and gaps in pediatric sleep education, drawing insights from a diverse international cohort of pediatric sleep health professionals.

Methods: International Pediatric Sleep Association (IPSA) members were invited to complete an online survey examining a variety of topics related to pediatric sleep education developed by the education committee.

Validation of the Sinhala Translation of the EORTC QLQ-INFO25: Enhancing Information Provision for Cancer Patients in Sri Lanka.

Cancer is a major health challenge globally and in Sri Lanka. Providing comprehensive information to patients is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction, supported by evidence of its effectiveness in managing cancer pain. EORTC QLQ-INFO25, an information module developed by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Group, is aimed at assessing cancer patients' perception of information received during different phases of care.

Global, regional, and national burden of primary liver cancer attributable to metabolic risks: an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990-2021.

Background: The global burden of metabolic diseases is increasing, but estimates of their impact on primary liver cancer are uncertain. We aimed to assess the global burden of primary liver cancer attributable to metabolic risk factors, including high body mass index (BMI) and high fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels, between 1990 and 2021.

Methods: The total number and age-standardized rates of deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from primary liver cancer attributable to each metabolic risk factor were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990-2021.

Determinants of seeking or foregoing allopathic treatment after snakebite: a population-based study from rural Sri Lanka.

Background: Despite the availability of antivenom, not all snakebite victims choose to seek allopathic care. This choice of care is likely to be determined by unexplored personal and external factors. We studied the factors influencing the choice of treatment and first aid measures among snakebite victims.

Community-based snakebite risk mapping for resource prioritisation in Eastern Province, Rwanda.

Background: Snakebite envenoming is a medical emergency that requires rapid access to essential medicines and well-trained personnel. In resource-poor countries, mapping snakebite incidence can help policymakers to make evidence-based decisions for resource prioritisation. This study aimed to characterise the spatial variation in snakebite risk, and in particular to identify areas of relatively high and low risk, in Eastern Province, Rwanda.

Haemotoxicity of snakes: a review of pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, novel diagnostics and challenges in management.

Haemotoxicity is the most common complication of systemic envenoming following snakebite, leading to diverse clinical syndromes ranging from haemorrhagic to prothrombotic manifestations. Key haematological abnormalities include platelet dysfunction, venom-induced consumption coagulopathy, anticoagulant coagulopathy and organ-threatening thrombotic microangiopathy. Diagnostic methods include the bedside whole blood clotting test, laboratory coagulation screening and other advanced methods such as thromboelastogram and clot strength analysis.

Snakebite-associated acute kidney injury in South Asia: narrative review on epidemiology, pathogenesis and management.

Snakebite-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) poses a significant health burden in the South Asia region, resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality. Multiple factors contribute to the pathogenesis of AKI following snakebites, including hypotension, intravascular haemolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, rhabdomyolysis, thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) and direct nephrotoxicity. Clinical features manifest as anuria, oliguria, haematuria, abdominal pain and hypertension.

Spiritual practices as coping with mothers of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a qualitative explorative study.

Background: Mothers of children with ADHD struggle with everyday challenges that exceed from the signs and symptoms of ADHD. They have applied different coping mechanisms, comprising spiritual practice commitments. The study aims to explore spiritual practices as a coping mechanism for mothers of children with ADHD.

Unlocking the epigenetic code: new insights into triple-negative breast cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive and clinically challenging subtype of breast cancer, lacking the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2/neu. The absence of these receptors limits therapeutic options necessitating the exploration of novel treatment strategies. Epigenetic modifications, which include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA (miRNA) regulation, play a pivotal role in TNBC pathogenesis and represent promising therapeutic targets.

Determining the effect of seminal plasma supplementation on sperm motility in males with asthenozoospermia: a systematic review protocol.

Introduction: Male infertility, defined as the inability to impregnate a fertile female, arises from various factors, among which sperm motility plays a pivotal role in determining reproductive potential. Seminal plasma, a complex fluid comprising diverse proteins, serves to nourish and support sperm, thereby facilitating their function within the female reproductive tract for successful conception. Normozoospermia denotes normal sperm motility in males, whereas asthenozoospermia indicates reduced sperm motility.

Estimation of Average Intraocular Lens Power for Cataract Surgeries in Trincomalee District, Sri Lanka: A Single-Centre Retrospective Descriptive Study.

Introduction The Sri Lankan economic crisis that began in 2019 led to the suspension of cataract services in many districts. Although humanitarian missions were quick to supply materials, there was a lack of scientific evidence to predict the required intraocular lens power for patients with cataracts. This study aimed to assess the average lens power among patients from Trincomalee district, Sri Lanka, based on sex and age groups.

How do we define normal bowel frequency from newborn to teens?: A Bayesian meta-analysis.

Objectives: Defecation disorders are a common pediatric problem and bowel frequency is crucial in identifying them. The aim of this analysis is to define normal bowel frequencies in healthy children ranging from newborns to adolescents.

Methods: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from their inception to February 2024, aiming to identify studies reporting bowel habits of healthy children (0-18 years).

Prediction of cerebral palsy and cognitive delay among high-risk children in a developing nation: A successful early detection programme.

Aim: To determine the feasibility of combining the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) and General Movements Assessment (GMA) within a standard follow-up schedule to predict developmental outcomes in infants at risk in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Method: A total of 201 Sri Lankan infants (128 male, 73 female) were prospectively assessed with the GMA before 44 weeks (writhing movements) and at 3 to 4 months (fidgeting movements), followed by the HINE at 5 to 6 months. Developmental outcomes were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Fourth Edition and clinical assessment after 24 months.

Phenological and morphological variations of Oryza rufipogon and O. nivara in Sri Lanka and their evolutionary implications.

Phenological and morphological variation are widely viewed as a pivotal driver of ecological adaptation and speciation. Here, we investigate variation patterns of flowering phenology and morphological traits within and between O. rufipogon and O.

Three New Dipeptide and Two New Polyketide Derivatives from the Mangrove-Derived Fungus sp.: Antioxidant Activity of Two Isolated Substances.

Five new metabolites, including three cyclic dipeptide derivatives (-) and two new polyketides (-), together with nine known ones (- and -), were isolated from the mangrove-sediments-derived fungus sp. SCSIO 41431. Their structures were determined using detailed NMR, MS spectroscopic analyses, and quantum chemical calculations.

Exploring Imaging Applications of a Red-Emitting π-Acceptor (π-A) Pyrene-Benzothiazolium Dye.

Bright biocompatible fluorescent imaging dyes with red to near-infrared (NIR) emissions are ideal candidates for fluorescence microscopy applications. Pyrene-benzothiazolium hemicyanine dyes are a new class of lysosome-specific probes reported on recently. In this work, we conduct a detailed implementation study for a pyrene-benzothiazolium derivative, BTP, to explore its potential imaging applications in fluorescence microscopy.

Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis in acute myeloid leukemia patients: a case series from Sri Lanka.

Background: Mucormycosis, is a rare yet potentially life-threatening fungal infection common in immunocompromised patients. Despite optimal care, mucormycosis in haemato-oncological patients often results in poor outcomes. This case series details the presentations and unique challenges faced during the management of patients with acute myeloid leukemia who developed rhino-cerebral mucormycosis.