Sri Lankan Sample Research Articles

Age-stratified norms for Raven’s standard progressive matrices for Sri Lankan adults

Objective The aim of this study was to create age-stratified norms for the Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) for Sri Lankan adults. Methods A sample of 610 adults (age: 18–72 years; education: 1–19 years), underwent the 60-item version of the SPM under individual supervision of a test administrator. The sample was stratified into 5-year age bands, and the norms are presented as percentile tables and percentile curves. Results The age-related changes were more accurately predicted by a curvilinear model (overall R 2 = 0.961) than a linear regression model (R 2 = 0.639). The SPM norms are presented as age-stratified percentile tables, as well as sex-, age- and education-adjusted multiple regression equations. The highest percentiles in the younger end of the age spectrum showed a ceiling effect. In the context of age-stratified US (1993) and British (1992) norms, older individuals in the Sri Lankan sample scored much lower than their Western counterparts. However, the difference narrowed in the younger age bands, showing no difference among the 18-to-22-year age bands in the three countries. Conclusions This age-by-country interaction can be partly explained by poorer education in the older individuals in the present sample compared to those in the US and UK standardization samples. SPM norms presented in this paper fill a hiatus in assessment of general intellectual ability in Sri Lankan adults. Given that Sri Lanka improves its educational, socioeconomic and health standards faster than the nations who have already reached higher standards, these norms would require re-standardization in the coming decades.

Psychosocial well-being among individuals with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis treatment and their caregivers: a protocol of a mixed method study in Sri Lanka and Poland.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) can be identified as one of the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) which affect millions of people worldwide, including in Sri Lanka and Poland. The prevalence of CKD has been rising over the last three decades due to the identification of CKD with unknown etiology and the increment of NCDs such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus among the Sri Lankan population. Poland can be identified as a European country that has 4 million patients with CKD, which is the second most common chronic disease in the country. CKD is associated with the physical, economic, psychological, and social burden on patients and their caregivers. The current study is aimed to investigate the psychosocial well-being of CKD patients and their caregivers in Sri Lanka and Poland. The current study is a mixed-method study aimed to investigate the psychosocial well-being of individuals with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis and their caregivers in Sri Lanka and Poland. Participants in the quantitative part of the project will be individuals with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis from Sri Lanka (n = 63) and Poland (n = 63) who are currently undergoing hemodialysis treatment. Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Sort Form, Beck Depression Scale, Test of Self-Conscious Affect, The Courtauld Emotional Control Scale, Acceptance of Illness Scale, and a demographic and medical information sheet will be used in both Sri Lankan and Polish samples. Apart from that, the qualitative phase of the study will involve semi-structured interviews with individuals diagnosed with CKD, selected randomly from the initial part of the research, and their close relatives. Notably, the participant count will remain undetermined, as this approach addresses the inherent challenges of exploratory research.

Development and evaluation of specific polymerase chain reaction assays for detecting Theileria equi genotypes

BackgroundTheileria equi causes equine piroplasmosis, an economically significant disease that affects horses and other equids worldwide. Based on 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA sequences), T. equi can be classified into five genotypes: A, B, C, D, and E. These genotypes have implications for disease management and control. However, no conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays are available to differentiate the genotypes of T. equi. To overcome this limitation, we developed and evaluated PCR assays specific for the detection of each T. equi genotype.MethodsA pair of forward and reverse primers, specifically targeting the 18S rRNA sequence of each genotype, was designed. The genotype-specific PCR assays were evaluated for their specificity using plasmids containing inserts of the 18S rRNA sequence of each genotype. Subsequently, the assays were tested on 270 T. equi-positive equine blood DNA samples (92 from donkeys in Sri Lanka and 178 from horses in Paraguay). 18S rRNA sequences derived from the PCR amplicons were analyzed phylogenetically.ResultsEach genotype-specific PCR assay accurately targeted the intended genotype, and did not produce any amplicons when 18S rRNA from other T. equi genotypes or genomic DNA of Babesia caballi or uninfected horse blood was used as the template. Previous studies employing PCR sequencing methods identified T. equi genotypes C and D in the Sri Lankan samples, and genotypes A and C in the Paraguayan samples. In contrast, our PCR assay demonstrated exceptional sensitivity by detecting four genotypes (A, C, D, and E) in the Sri Lankan samples and all five genotypes in the Paraguayan samples. All the Sri Lankan samples and 93.3% of the Paraguayan samples tested positive for at least one genotype, further emphasizing the sensitivity of our assays. The PCR assays also had the ability to detect co-infections, where multiple genotypes in various combinations were detected in 90.2% and 22.5% of the Sri Lankan and Paraguayan samples, respectively. Furthermore, the sequences obtained from PCR amplicons clustered in the respective phylogenetic clades for each genotype, validating the specificity of our genotype-specific PCR assays.ConclusionsThe genotype-specific PCR assays developed in the present study are reliable tools for the differential detection of T. equi genotypes.Graphical abstract

Identification and characterization of the key volatile flavor compounds in black teas from distinct regions worldwide.

Volatile flavor compounds in 112 black teas from seven countries were analyzed by untargeted metabolomics using headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). Multivariate statistical analysis and odor activity values (OAVs) were used to classify these samples and identify key odorants. A total of 140 volatile flavor compounds (VFCs), including 12 different groups, were identified, and alcohols were prevalent in China and India samples, accounting for 40.83% and 34.96% of the total VFCs, respectively. Eight volatile compounds with OAVs>1 were identified as key active differential odorants in Chinese, Indian, and Sri Lankan samples, including linalool, pentanoic acid, methyl salicylate, hexanoic acid, 1-methyl-naphthalene, phenylethyl alcohol, geraniol, and β-ionone. Linalool, pentanoic acid, and hexanoic acid in Indian black teas, phenylethyl alcohol in Chinese black teas, and 1-methyl-naphthalene, β-ionone in Sri Lankan black teas could be used to discriminate different black tea groups. A total of 12-14 VFCs with OAVs>1 were identified as key active aromatics in Chinese black tea sample. Linalool and benzeneacetaldehyde in Yingde (Guangdong) black tea, methyl salicylate in Taiwanese samples, and benzeneacetic acid in Anhui black tea could be used as biomarkers to distinguish them from other Chinese samples. Sensory evaluation results showed that most black teas presented the common sweet, floral odors, which were consistent with GC-MS analysis. These results will contribute to characterize the odor metabolome of black teas and provide biochemical basis for identifying the authenticity of different black teas. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Linalool, pentanoic acid, and hexanoic acid in Indian black teas, phenylethyl alcohol in Chinese black teas, 1-methyl-naphthalene, β-ionone, and methyl salicylate in Sri Lankan black teas could be used to discriminate black teas from the three countries. Linalool and benzeneacetaldehyde in Yingde black teas, methyl salicylate in Taiwanese black teas, and benzeneacetic acid in Anhui black tea are the potential biomarkers to distinguish these teas from other Chinese black teas.

Population genetic and phylogeographic relationships of the dengue vector <em>Aedes aegypti</em> inferred from three localities of Sri Lanka

Aedes aegypti is the major epidemic vector of dengue outbreaks in the world. Here, a 359 bp region of the mitochondrial NADH hydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4) gene was taken as the candidate locus for study purposes from 27 Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae collected from an inland mountain area (Badulla), and two distantly located coastal areas (Hambantota and Trincomalee) in Sri Lanka. Eleven parsimonious informative sites were observed, and 7 haplotypes were identified from the 27 samples. The coastal populations displayed higher genetic diversity compared to those from the inland mountain-contained region. The phylogenetic analyses of Ae. aegypti from Badulla, Hambantota and Trincomalee including published Sri Lankan and global samples (a total of 106 sequences) revealed two separate clades: a basal clade and a derived clade. Eighty percent of the samples found from Badulla, were of the basal haplotype (H1) clustered together with West African (Senegal) samples in close proximity to the outgroup. On the contrary, Hambantota and Trincomalee samples were found dispersed in both the basal and derived clades clustering closely with samples from Mexico, Brazil, Kenya, USA and Myanmar indicating their close genetic relationship to many New World, East African and Asian varieties. Taken together, our study proposes that colonization of Ae aegypti in Sri Lanka occurred through multiple founder events (ancient multiple invasions in coastal sites and a more recent West African invasion to the inland mountain-demarcated Badulla region) and continue to exist in mutational drift equilibrium following the settlement event.

Sleep problems and infant motor and cognitive development across the first two years of life: The Beijing Longitudinal Study

The present study examined bidirectional effects between sleep problems (nocturnal awakenings and insufficient nocturnal sleep) and infant development (gross motor, fine motor, and cognition) in a sample of 182 infants (89 girls) and their parents living in Beijing (China). Using 3 waves of longitudinal data (at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years of age), this study (a) explored the differences in sleep patterns and developmental outcomes between infants in the current sample and infants from other cultures; and primarily examined (b) whether nocturnal awakenings and insufficient nocturnal sleep prospectively predicted infant development; (c) or whether infant development predicted sleep problems. Mothers reported their children’s sleep problems, and infant development was assessed with Bayley III. Sleep patterns of Beijing infants were slightly different from those from Finland and Singapore, and most scores on Bayley III in this Beijing sample were higher than those in Danish, Dutch and Sri Lankan samples. Sleep problems and developmental measures were stable across the 3 times of assessments, but cross-lagged associations were limited in number and strength. High scores on the Bayley at 6 months predicted less nocturnal awakenings at 1 year of age. Insufficient nocturnal sleep at 1 year predicted poor fine motor development at 2 years. Thus, findings suggest some bidirectional associations between infant development and sleep problems and further highlight the need to understand these relations within specific cultural contexts.

Boron isotope compositions establish the origin of marble from metamorphic complexes: Québec, New York, and Sri Lanka

Abstract The origin of an array of marble samples found in both the Grenville Province and southwestern Sri Lanka remains uncertain, whether magmatic, sedimentary, or mixed, due to their proximity to both carbonatite bodies and carbonate-rich metasedimentary rocks. This study reports boron and trace element abundances, in addition to carbon, oxygen, boron, and strontium isotopic compositions, to determine the petrogenesis of these carbonate-rich samples. Boron abundances for all of the samples are relatively high and variable (1.48–71.1 ppm) compared to those for carbonatites worldwide (≤1 ppm), and mostly overlap those documented for sedimentary sources (up to 54 ppm). The rare earth element (REE) abundances (0.5–1068 ppm) for the marbles studied are similar to those for local sedimentary units and thus contain, in general, lower REE contents than both the average worldwide calciocarbonatite and respective neighboring carbonatite bodies. The δ13CV-PDB and δ18OV-SMOW compositions for all of the samples range between –2.9 to +3.2 ± 0.1‰ and +14.3 to +25.8 ± 0.2‰, respectively, and are considerably heavier than those reported for magmatic or metamorphosed carbonatites. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios reported here range from 0.70417 to 0.70672, which are more radiogenic than the average 87Sr/86Sr (~0.70345) reported for carbonatites included for comparison in this study. Importantly, the boron isotopic compositions (δ11B‰) for samples from the Grenville Province range from +7.5 to +15.7 ± 0.5‰, which are consistent with those reported for biogenic carbonate (+4.9 to +35.1‰). In contrast, δ11B values for the samples of marble from Sri Lanka vary from –9.8 to –14.3 ± 0.5‰ overlapping with those estimated for average bulk continental crust (–9.1 ± 2.4‰). Together, the boron compositions, chemical data, stable (C, O), and radiogenic Sr isotopic data overwhelmingly point to a sedimentary origin for the marble samples examined here. Specifically, the samples from the Grenville Province represent marble formed during high-temperature regional metamorphism of limestone units. The Sri Lankan samples were formed from carbonate-rich and 11B-poor fluids derived from a crustal source. The boron isotopic compositions for the samples studied here are also compared to those reported for mantle-derived carbonate (i.e., carbonatites) worldwide, along with their associated δ13CV-PDB and 87Sr/86Sr values. This comparison results in defining three isotopically distinct fields; mantle-derived carbonates, sedimentary carbonates derived from heterogeneous limestone protoliths, and carbonates derived from meteoric water interacting with crustal material. This work establishes the effective use of boron isotopic compositions in determining the origin of carbonate-rich rocks of contentious petrogenesis.

Mandibular morphometrics: An age and gender determinant in a Sri Lankan Sample – A digital panoramic tomography study

Mandibular morphometrics: An age and gender determinant in a Sri Lankan Sample – A digital panoramic tomography study

Genetic characterization of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in Sri Lanka based on COI gene

Aedes aegypti is the most prominent vector for dengue virus worldwide. Accurate identification of the species and understanding its colonization pattern are essential prerequisites in vector control. Thus, the present study was aimed to genetically characterize Ae. aegypti mosquitoes collected from different regions of Sri Lanka based on mitochondrial COI gene. Thirty-three Ae. aegypti larval samples were collected from 19 districts. A 735bp region of the mitochondrial COI gene was amplified and analyzed for genetic diversity indices. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using Sri Lankan samples and also including mosquito samples reported from other parts of the world. High genetic diversity was observed within the samples analysed (gene diversity: 0.949; average number of nucleotide differences: 6.371). There were 20 haplotypes presented within the 19 localities investigated. The phylogenetic tree derived two main clades. However, no distinguishable clustering pattern was observed in the phylogenetic tree except for the districts in the northern corner indicating extensive admixing among different populations. When samples from other countries were included in the phylogenetic tree, Anuradhapura, and Mannar samples were clustered together with samples from India, Venezuela, USA, Portugal and Cambodia while Rathnapura was clustered with Bolivia and France. Our results suggest that Sri Lanka has undergone multiple invasions of Ae. aegypti from various parts of the world over an extensive period. Further, the mosquito control campaigns had not caused a significant effect on the Ae. aegypti populations which is existing in mutation-drift equilibrium.

Vascular Anatomy of the optic disc: a cross sectional study in a Sri Lankan Sample

Vascular Anatomy of the optic disc: a cross sectional study in a Sri Lankan Sample

Location and number of nutrient foramina in human long bones of a Sri Lankan sample

Location and number of nutrient foramina in human long bones of a Sri Lankan sample

Discovery of a new Theileria sp. closely related to Theileria annulata in cattle from Sri Lanka

Theileria annulata is a haemoprotozoan parasite that causes a cancer-like illness known as tropical theileriosis in cattle. In the course of analyzing the genetic diversity of T. annulata in Sri Lanka, we observed that merozoite-piroplasm surface antigen (tams1) and surface protein (tasp)-like gene sequences obtained from bovine blood DNA samples, which were PCR-positive for T. annulata, were conserved but shared low identity with T. annulata GenBank sequences. Moreover, the 18S rRNA sequences from the Sri Lankan samples contained ten unique single-nucleotide polymorphisms compared with all known T. annulata sequences. The cytochrome b (cob) gene sequences isolated from the Sri Lankan samples were highly conserved and shared low identity scores with similarly conserved T. annulata sequences from GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Sri Lankan tams1-like, tasp-like, 18S rRNA, and cob sequences clustered together and formed sister clades to the common ancestors of all known T. annulata and Theileria lestoquardi sequences. These findings demonstrated that the Sri Lankan cattle were not infected with T. annulata but with a new Theileria sp. (designated as Theileria sp. Yokoyama) closely related to T. annulata.

THE EFFECT OF MONEY AVAILABILITY FOR SHOPPING ON IMPULSIVE PURCHASING IN DIFFERENT CULTURES: THE MODERATING EFFECT OF INFLUENCE OF SHOPPING COMPANION

The paper investigates the relationship between the availability of money for shopping activities and impulsive purchasing of consumers. Further, it is observed whether decisions of consumers are changed when they go shopping with someone which means the moderating effect of influence of shopping companion on impulsive decisions of the consumers. The study will be really significant as it examines the influence of other persons in buying decisions whereas most of previous studies come out with individual level factors. For the study a sample was conveniently selected consisting 150 respondents representing Norway and Sri Lanka. The survey was employed as the tool to collect primary data by using self-administered questionnaire. Through the findings it was revealed that, the availability of money shows significant positive relationship in consumers' impulsive purchasing of both nationalities. However, as further results shopping companions significantly influence the relationship between main variables: availability of money and impulsive buying but that is only related to Sri Lankan Sample. The future research implications have discussed. Article DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.20319/pijss.2017.32.10141028 This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.

Babesia bovis BOV57, a Theileria parva P67 homolog, is an invasion-related, neutralization-sensitive antigen

Babesia bovis BOV57, which is a homolog of the Theileria parva vaccine candidate antigen P67, is expressed in both the tick and blood stages of the life cycle of this parasite. However, the vaccine potential of BOV57 remained to be investigated. In the present study, we generated recombinant BOV57 (rBOV57) and prepared polyclonal antibodies against rBOV57 in mice and rabbits. Indirect immunofluorescence assays conducted with the mouse anti-rBOV57 antibody demonstrated that BOV57 localized at the apical end of paired merozoites in infected bovine red blood cells, whereas the antigen was found in the parasite membrane around the apical end of intraerythrocytic single and extracellular merozoites. In an invasion-inhibition assay, the rabbit anti-rBOV57 antibody potentially inhibited RBC invasion of B. bovis merozoites in vitro. In addition, the invasion inhibition mediated by rabbit anti-rBOV57 antibody resulted in a reduced growth rate of B. bovis in the in vitro culture. These findings indicated that B. bovis BOV57 plays a critical role in the invasion of merozoites into red blood cells, suggesting its potential as a subunit vaccine candidate against B. bovis infection in cattle. Furthermore, we analyzed the genetic diversity of bov57 gene sequences isolated from Sri Lanka, Mongolia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The bov57 gene sequences derived from Mongolia, the Philippines, and Vietnam were conserved, whereas insertion and/or deletion mutations resulted in sequence diversity among the Sri Lankan samples. In summary, BOV57 is an invasion-related, neutralization-sensitive antigen encoded by the bov57 gene, which displays higher sequence diversity than previously reported.

Mitochondrial DNA variation reveals distinct lineages in Penaeus semisulcatus (Decapoda, Penaeidae) from the Indo‐West Pacific Ocean

AbstractPenaeus semisulcatus, the green tiger prawn, is an ecologically and economically important penaeid shrimp in the Indo‐West Pacific region, especially in rice‐shrimp farming and capture fisheries in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, respectively. Genetic variation and phylogeography of samples of this species from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were studied utilizing different mitochondrial DNA markers, i.e. cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1), control region (CR) and 16S rRNA genes. No evidence of population structure was observed in Bangladesh, but distinct variations were found among the Sri Lankan samples (ΦST = 0.04, p = .002; FST = 0.07, p = .001), with the western sample differing from the northwestern and southern samples. The Bangladesh population had lower genetic diversity than two of the three Sri Lanka populations. The phylogeography of P. semisulcatus revealed two distinct mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lineages, one in the Western Pacific Ocean and second in the Indian Ocean. The Bangladesh samples showed highest levels of similarity with samples from Sri Lanka, India and Malaysia, with the Bangladesh and Sri Lanka populations sharing the most common recent ancestry. Among the Indian Ocean samples, high levels of variation were observed in the samples from Iran, indicating admixture of two distinct mtDNA lineages, one shared by the populations from the Bay of Bengal and the other possibly originating from Eastern Africa. The genetic and phylogeographic information obtained in this study will be useful in appropriate planning for management and conservation of shrimp fisheries in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and in the Indo‐West Pacific region.

Cytoskeletal Pathologies of Age-Related Diseases between Elderly Sri Lankan (Colombo) and Indian (Bangalore) Brain Samples.

Within South Asia, Sri Lanka represents fastest aging with 13% of the population was aged over 60's in 2011, whereas in India it was 8%. Majority of the Sri Lankan population based genetic studies have confirmed their origin on Indian mainland. As there were inadequate data on aging cytoskeletal pathologies of these two nations with their close genetic affiliations, we performed a comparison on their elderly. Autopsy brain samples of 50 individuals from Colombo, Sri Lanka (mean age 72.1 yrs ± 7.8, mean ± S.D.) and 42 individuals from Bangalore, India (mean age 65.9 yrs ± 9.3) were screened for neurodegenerative pathologies using immunohistochemical techniques. A total of 79 cases with incomplete clinical history (Colombo- 47 and Bangalore- 32) were subjected to statistical analysis and 13 cases, clinically diagnosed with dementia and/or Parkinsonism disorders were excluded. As per National Institute on Aging- Alzheimer's Association guidelines, between Colombo and Bangalore samples, Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change for intermediate/ high level was 4.25% vs. 3.12% and low level was 19.15% vs. 15.62% respectively. Pathologies associated with Parkinsonism including brainstem predominant Lewy bodies- 6.4% and probable progressive supra nuclear palsy- 2.13% were found solely in Colombo samples. Alzheimer related pathologies were not different among elders, however, in Colombo males, neurofibrillary tangle grade was significantly higher in the region of hippocampus (odds ratio = 1.46, 95% confidence interval = 0.07-0.7) and at risk in midbrain substantia nigra (p = 0.075). Other age-related pathologies including spongiform changes (p < 0.05) and hippocampus cell loss in dentate gyrus region (p < 0.05) were also identified prominently in Colombo samples. Taken together, aging cytoskeletal pathologies are comparatively higher in elderly Sri Lankans and this might be due to their genetic, dietary and/ or environmental variations.

Identification of taxonomic status of spiny lobster species in Sri Lanka Using DNA barcoding and its implications on fisheries and conservation programs

Lobster fishery is one of the most economically important marine coastal fishing activities. However, genetic identification and taxonomic status of available lobster species are poorly understood in Sri Lanka. The DNA barcoding based on the amplification of partial mitochondrial Cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene region provides an effective approach for the rapid identification of species status and evaluation of species richness. The present study attempted to collect genetic information of barcoding region for five spiny lobster species that are available in the southern coast of Sri Lanka and to estimate the phylogenetic relationships with the data available for relevant spiny lobsters of other geographic locations. For this purpose, additional sequences were downloaded from the NCBI Genbank and phylogenetic trees were constructed using Maximum Parsimony, Maximum Likelihood and Neighbour Joining methods. Identical tree topologies were resulted from the three methods, and three major clades could be identified. The first clade consisted of Panulirus penicillatus + P. longipes. Panulirus homarus + P. versicolor + P. ornatus were grouped into the second clade whereas the third clade included P. homarus + P. penicillatus + P. longipes. It is important to observe that P. homarus samples collected from southern Sri Lanka grouped with both sub species P. h. homarus and P. h. megasculpta indicating their availability in the sampling regions. Although three subspecies are available in P. longipes the samples from southern Sri Lankan grouped only with P. l. longipes. High intra-specific nucleotide diversity was reported in for Sri Lankan samples. This indicates that habitats around southern coast of Sri Lanka possess suitable environmental conditions to inhabit diverse Panulirus populations. These results would be highly useful to plan management and conservation strategies for Panulirus populations in Sri Lanka. Tropical Agricultural Research Vol. 25 (1): 96-108 (2013)

Norms for a neuropsychological test battery to diagnose dementia in the elderly: A study from Sri Lanka.

Aims:To pilot a neuropsychological battery for diagnosing dementia and provide normative scores in an elderly Sri Lankan sample.Materials and Methods:Consecutive subjects over the age of 60 yrs were administered tests assessing the individual domains of language, verbal episodic memory, visual perceptuospatial skills and executive functions in the Sinhala language.Results:There were a total of 230 subjects in the final sample. The mean age of the entire sample was 69 years, mean education level was 12 years and the sample comprised 53% female. One-month test-retest reliability ranged from 0.71 to 0.85 for the various tests. Most tests were significantly influenced by age and education level but not gender. The exceptions to this were some language subtests (repetition, grammar comprehension and word picture matching) and two tests of executive functioning (maze completion and alternate target cancellation), which were uninfluenced by age. The subtests where ceiling performance was attained by almost all subjects were repetition, grammar comprehension and word picture matching from the language domain, dot position discrimination from the visuospatial domain and maze completion test from the executive function domain. Scores for various tests after stratifying subjects by age and educational level are given.Conclusions:The tests were well received and could provide a basis for cognitive profiling in similar settings elsewhere.

Evaluation of common type 2 diabetes risk variants in a South Asian population of Sri Lankan descent.

IntroductionMost studies seeking common variant associations with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have focused on individuals of European ancestry. These discoveries need to be evaluated in other major ancestral groups, to understand ethnic differences in predisposition, and establish whether these contribute to variation in T2D prevalence and presentation. This study aims to establish whether common variants conferring T2D-risk in Europeans contribute to T2D-susceptibility in the South Asian population of Sri Lanka.MethodologyLead single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) at 37 T2D-risk loci attaining genome-wide significance in Europeans were genotyped in 878 T2D cases and 1523 normoglycaemic controls from Sri Lanka. Association testing was performed by logistic regression adjusting for age and sex and by the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test after stratifying according to self-identified ethnolinguistic subgroup. A weighted genetic risk score was generated to examine the combined effect of these SNPs on T2D-risk in the Sri Lankan population.ResultsOf the 36 SNPs passing quality control, sixteen showed nominal (p<0.05) association in Sri Lankan samples, fifteen of those directionally-consistent with the original signal. Overall, these association findings were robust to analyses that accounted for membership of ethnolinguistic subgroups. Overall, the odds ratios for 31 of the 36 SNPs were directionally-consistent with those observed in Europeans (p = 3.2×10−6). Allelic odds ratios and risk allele frequencies in Sri Lankan subjects were not systematically different to those reported in Europeans. Genetic risk score and risk of T2D were strongly related in Sri Lankans (per allele OR 1.10 [95%CI 1.08–1.13], p = 1.2×10−17).ConclusionOur data indicate that most T2D-risk variants identified in Europeans have similar effects in South Asians from Sri Lanka, and that systematic difference in common variant associations are unlikely to explain inter-ethnic differences in prevalence or presentation of T2D.

Co-occurrence of multiple mycotoxins in dry chilli (Capsicum annum L.) samples from the markets of Sri Lanka and Belgium

In this study a multi-mycotoxin method was applied to screen seventeen chemically divergent mycotoxins from dry chilli samples (Capsicum annum L.) collected from the markets in Sri Lanka (n = 86) and Belgium (n = 35) using a high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometer. In addition to aflatoxins (<LOQ–687 μg/kg) and ochratoxin A (OTA; <LOQ–282 μg/kg), the chilli samples were also found to be contaminated with sterigmatocystin (STERIG; <LOQ–32 μg/kg), fumonisin B2 (FB2; <LOQ–87 μg/kg), citrinin (<LOQ–2.1 mg/kg) and alternariol methyl ether (70 and 222 μg/kg). Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was the predominant mycotoxin contaminating almost 77% of the Sri Lankan samples. While OTA was found in 41% of the samples notably, 38% of them were contaminated with STERIG. Overall, 87% and 63% of the Sri Lankan and Belgian samples, respectively were contaminated at least with one mycotoxin. Remarkably, 67% of the Sri Lankan samples exceeded EU maximum level (ML) of 5 μg/kg for AFB1 and 44% of the samples exceeded the EU ML of 10 μg/kg for total aflatoxins. One third of the Sri Lankan chillies were contaminated with more than three different mycotoxins. Co-occurrence of different mycotoxins, AFB1–OTA (36%), AFB1–STERIG (28%), OTA–AFB1–STERIG (17%) and AFB1–FB2 (14%) was found in different forms of chillies. Higher frequency of mycotoxins co-occurrence found in the processed chillies such as flakes and powder could be due to the fraudulent usage of low quality grade chilli pods for processing. Noticeably, 9 of the 11 positive chilli samples from Belgium exceeded the EU ML for AFB1.