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Total Serum Cholesterol Levels in Villagers from Yatinuwara M. O. H. Area
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Amerasinghe, A. B. C.; Sumanaweera, N. P.
Measurements were made between February 1994 - June 1995 of total serum cholesterol in apparently normal Sinhalese aduhs from Yatinuwara M.O.H area comprising 131 males and 162 females from 10 villages selected by stratified random and random sampling. Also ascertained of the sample were their Body Mass Index, occupation, income, family size, education, nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption and any known illnesses. Only two individuals traveled to work from their villages. Blood was collected by venepuncture after breakfast between 8.30 a.m and 1.30 p.m Cholesterol levels estimated using Randox cholesterol reagents are tabulated below (Figure is in the attachement). Conclusions: The mean total serum cholesterol estimate for Sinhalese males of the Yatinuwara M.O.H area is 202.6 + 44.5 mgldl; for the females is 210.9 + 42 mgldl. The difference between means is significantly greater than the critical difference; X1-X2 = 8.25> 0.0053. Age dependent trends seen between sexes locally contrasts with those of U.S. whites. On U.S. standards (total serum cholesterol> 240 mg/dl) 13 per cent of the males are hypercholesterolemics while 19 per cent of the females fall in this category.
Construction of an Improved Automatic Burette
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Tennakoon, D. T. B.; Bandara, H. M. N.; Chandrasena, W. D.; Ilangantilake, A. N.
We have previously described the construction of an automatic burette with the ability to detect the colour change at the end point. An ordinary burette modified for the purpose was used to control the addition of the titrant and the vohune was read visually. This instrument is now improved and the burette is replaced with a motor-driven plastic syringe. Once calibrated, the instrument is able to add and measure the vohune of the titrant with a high degree of accuracy. The process is fully computer controlled.
Controversies on the Aetiology of Endemic Goitre in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Areseculeratne, Y. M.; Reginald, G. J.; Hemawardana, D. M.; Weerasekara, G. A. B.; Tammita, A.
Endemic goitre is widely prevalent in the wet zone en Sri Lanka. The exact aetiology of endemic goitre has not been fully understood though iodine deficiency has been thought to be the commonest cause. This study involved the investigation of hundred and eleven euthyroid goitrous female patients with regard to their thyroid status. The gland was assessed according to the classification endorsed by the WHO and the International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (lCCIDD), and categorised into 3 grades. The tests included measurement of total serum thyroxine, triiodothyronine and thyroid stimulating hormone levels and 2 and 24 hour iodine uptakes following the administration of a tracer dose of radioactive iodine. Thyroid hormone levels were found to be within the specified 'normal' ranges, but a trend was observed whereby an increase in goitre size was associated with a fall in total serum thyroxine levels, which was not significant, a rise in total triiodothyronine, being significant between grades 2 & 3 (p < 0.05), and a significant fall in serum thyroid stimulating hormone levels between grades 1 & 2 (p < 0.03), as well as between grades 2 & 3 (p < 0.05). The radioactive iodine uptakes at both 2 & 24 hours showed a rise with increase in the size of the gland, the uptakes between grades 2 & 3 were significant in both instances, (p < 0.01) and (p < 0.05) respectively. The biochemical picture seen in these patients is not in keeping with that seen in patients from areas en confirmed iodine deficiency.
The potential for Discovery of economic Gold Deposits in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Nawaratne, S. W.
Historical records such as Mahawamsa and recent archeogeological observations indicate that gold was mined in large quantities in Sri Lanka during the ancient times. At present small quantities of gold are mined from alluvial placer accwnulations. Present investigations show that significant quantities of alluvial gold occur in the zone lying between the gem-bearing gravel layer and the decomposed bed rock in the areas drained by Walawe Ganga and its tributaries such as Kiri-ibban wewa In such zones, the gold content varies from place to place and concentrations up to 9g per tonne of sediment were observed The gold grains show different morphological features and occur' as dust, flakes and nuggets. Some grains contain 100% Au whereas others have lesser amounts with the balance being constituted of Ag, Cu and Mn. The Walawe Ganga basin lies near the eastern boundary of the Precambrian Highland Complex rock terrain of Sri Lanka. The highest alluvial placer gold concentrations are found in zones of intense shearing and fracturing in the country rock which are commonly mineralized with sulphides and carbontes and intruded by quartz veins and pegmatites. The source of the gold in Wala\W Ganga basin sediments appears to be young fracture controlled mineralization in the Highland Complex rocks.
Determination of Iron Status in a Rural Population in Sri Lanka: Prevalence of Anaemia and Oral manifestations
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Ranasinghe, A. W.; Cuncheer, S.
The study was carried out using a randomly selected individuals from ten Grarna Sevaka divisions of Kadugannawa M 0 H division. A total of 339 patients were used in this study and a detailed questionnaire was administered to record socioeconomic and clinical data of the subjects. Intravenous blood was drawn to assess haemoglobin level, packed cell volume and the blood picture. The data analysis was done using a programme called EPI INFO Version 5. A total of 190 females and 149 of males were screened and their mean ages 49.2 + / - 14.1 and 46.5+ / - 15.6 years respectively. Only 2.7% of the patients were pure vegetarian and more than 85% of the patients consumed either fish. dry fish or chicken. However, around 50% of the group did not consume beef Only 8.3% of the patients gave a history of bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, however, nearly 14% patients had menorrhgia Almost 50% of the study group had symptoms associated with anaemia. This high figure cannot be attributed purely to anaemia because some of these symptoms were common to anaemia as well as other disorders. e.g. angina. In contrast only 14% of the patients had signs of anaemia and females formed a higher percentage(78%) of this group compared to males(22%). Atrophy of the tongue was the commonest clinical abnormality(15%) followed by angular cheilitis(6.2%) and abnormalities like koilonychia and brittle nails were rare among the patients. Nearly 35.6% of the patients had a haemoglobin level less than 12 g/d1. however, when the cut-off point was lowered to 11 g/dl, the percentage of patients above this value rose to 81.9%. Even at this level nearly 20% of the population were anaemic which is a significant portion of the population and this data demonstrate the value of routine screening for anaemia in populations.
Tends in Land and Property Market in Kandy City
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Nawfhal, A. S. M.
The city of Kandy is characterized by its uniqueness as a provincial and district capital and a cultural center. Land and property within the city has an added value for its specific characteristics, namely compactness as a result of its landlocked nature, accessibility, availability of infrastructure facilities, perception towards living standard based on educational and employment facilities. The value of land and property continue to increase depending on the location, infrastructure and perception. Nevertheless, the competition for land and property for commercial and housing has become more distinct than any other urban functions. The size of land continuously reduces as a result of land : house ratio continue to shrink. As a result, the land and property in this city may rise by folds. Unless a proper planning with strict guidelines to control haphazard development within this urban environment is implemented, the city will have severe problems in the future.
High Ion Conducting 3D Network Poly(Ethylene Oxide)
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Perera, K. S.; Dissanayake, M. A. K. L.; Bandaranayake, P. W. S. K.
Studies of ionic conductivity in polymers complexed with divalent or trivalent cations are useful for understanding the parameters related to conductivity in polymers. In the present work a calcium salt has been selected since it is less hygroscopic than corresponding alkaline salts when dissolved in poly (ethylene oxide) network. The polycondensation between ex, ro - diol-poly (ethylene glycol), H(OCH2CH2).,OH with average MW 1000 and 3-chloro-2- chloromethyl-l-propane was done in the presence of excess KOH. The average molecular weight of the linear polycondensate determined by gel permeation chromatography was about 20,000. Cross-linking of linear polycondensate was done by free-radical polymerization using dibenzoyl peroxide as initiator to obtain a thin film of 3D network polymer. Membranes of 11 mm diameter were cut from the completely dried films. To prepare samples of different O/Ca ratio, calcium trifluoromethyl-sulphonate Ca(CF3S03h salt was dissolved in a small amount of acetonitrile and the membrane was put to absorb the whole solution. It was possible to prepare sample with O/Ca ratio from 8 to 100. Then the membranes were dried under vacuum at 90°C for one day. The electrical conductivity of membranes was measured under vacuum by a complex impedance technique in the temperature range from 90°C to room temperature. The maximum conductivity was obtained for O/Ca=25 which is about 2.0 x }O"4 S em" at 75°C and 1.0 x 10.5 S em" at room temperature. Polymers synthesized in this method have glass transition temperatures below room temperature and hence, give a very high ionic conductivity and have very good mechanical properties due to three dimensional link
Changes in Postharvest Disease Development and Ripening of 'Ambul' Bananas Treated with Acid and Alkaline Substances Compared to a Benlate Treatment
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Perera, N.; Karunaratne, A. M.
Some non-pesticidal postharvest treatments were tested on Ambul bananas to compare their effects with that of a commercial fungicide. Since it was found that the pH value of peels of Ambul bananas reduced from 5 to 4, with ripening, acid and alkaline substances were dissolved in distilled water separately, and were infiltrated into harvested fruits under pressure (4.3 x 10-3 Kg m-2) for 5 min. When a 0.4% NaHC03 solution was used, ripening and disease development were delayed by a day. When different concentrations of acetic acid were used, 0.2% acetic acid caused over 70% reduction of total disease, a 4 days' delay in disease appearance and a 2 days' delay in ripening. Dipping in Ben1ate (1.2g in II) for 10 min. eliminated diseases significantly, but the fruits ripened a day earlier than the controls. A 0.1% citric acid solution caused disease appearance to advance by a day. When conidia of Colletotrichum musae were inoculated on to a series of acidified Cook's No.2 broth cultures, the fungus did not grow below a pH of 4.0. Work is proceeding to determine the biochemical basis of these treatments.
Factors Affecting the In-Situ conductivity of electronically conducting Polymers
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Vidanapathirana, K. P.; Senadeera, G. K. R.; Guanratne, L. M. W. K.; Kareem, A. M.; Dissanayake, M. A. K. L.
In recent years the discovery of doped organic polymers with high electronic conductivities has generated substantial research interest among physicists and chemists. Conjugated polymers such as polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polythiophene, polyparaphenylene with doped derivatives reported to have conductivities larger than 1 S/cm. The films obtained in organic media exhibit superior characteristics in favour of their conductivity and mechanical properties. However, the use of organic solvent is costly and hazardous. Hence the use of water as a solvent for the polymerization is evidently advantageous. Therefore, in this study, investigations have been carried out to find the effect of pH of the electrolyte, effect of the size of the dopant ion, effect of the electrolyte concentration and the effect of the current density used in the polymerization on the in-situ conductivity of poly N methyl pyrrole in aqueous media. The polymerization current density has the largest influence on the conductivity. The conductivity increase with the decreasing current density. pH of the electrolyte also effects the conductivity. The films formed using higher acidic media seems to have high conductivity. As seen in the non aqueous media, the conductivity changes with the size of the anion and the concentration of electrolyte.
Design and construction of a Digital vote counter
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Gammampila, S. P.; Uduwawala, K. R.; Sivakumar, V.; Premaratne, K.; Kareem, M. A.
In the present conventional voting procedure, each voter is expected to draw a cross in the cage against the name or the symbol of the candidate of his choice in the ballet paper provided to him Strict roles on the validity of a poll card such as the fact that the cross should not touch the adjoining cages, leads to a large percentage of invalid votes especially in countries like ours. It is also well known that some voters cast more than one vote using various illegal techniques. In this work we have designed and constructed digital vote counter with the aim that some of these difficulties could be overcome. This counter mainly consists of a receiving unit, logic system, and a result output unit. Here on the ballet card there is a hole for each candidate or his assigned symbol and the hole is covered by a sticker. The voter is expected to remove the sticker corresponding to the candidate of his choice and insert the card into the machine. If more than one sticker is removed or if no sticker is removed the logic system counts it as a rejected vote. Once the data is logically stored they are directed into the out put of the logic system Then the relays function in accordance with data and relevant data is shown in the seven segment display. The voter is not allowed to vote more than once since the machine rejects the second attempt till he or she leaves the place. As the counting is done electronically the results will be accurate and they can be released within a short time. Therefore, the use of such a machine in voting would be convenient, reliable and economical.
Discriminant anlysis of Cytomorphometric Measurements of oral epithelial cells in the Diagnosis of oral Premalignancy and Malignancy
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Ramaesh, T.; Mendis, B. R. R. N.; Rathnatunga, N. V. I.; Thattil, R. O.
The cytomorphometric measurements (nuclear diameter .and cell diameter) of oral epithelial cells were subjected to discriminant analysis for the diagnosis of oral premalignancy and malignancy. Of the group of oral premalignant diseases, leukoplakia was studied and the malignant group oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) was studied. Smear and biopsy samples were collected from 136 lesions clinically diagnosed as oral leukoplakia or OSCC and 40 subjects with clinically normal buccal mucosa. The mean nuclear diameter (ND) and cell diameter (CD) values were obtained from the smears for each case. These samples were grouped according to the histopathological diagnosis. The study group is given below. When the discriminant analysis was carried out for nuclear and cell diameter values in between the groups, the discrimination was poor for group 2 and the normal samples whereas group 3 and group 4 were clearly discriminated from the normal samples (p < 0.05). The lesions with dysplasia (group 3) could be discriminated from lesions with hyperkeratosis, hyperplasia and acanthosis (group 2). Equations were obtained for discrimination between the groups in order to identify a new lesion as to which group it belongs. This shows that the discrimination of dysplastic lesions and squamous cell carcinoma from the normal and non-dysplastic lesions would be possible by cytomorphometric measurements of the oral smears.
Monitoring of Beragala Landslide
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Dissanayake, A. K.; Edirisinghe, A. G. H. J.; Seniviratne, H. N.; Abayakoon, S. B. S.
Landslips occur in many parts of the world, specially in hilly or mountainous terrain. In Sri Lanka landslides.are a major natural hazard. Out of many active landslides in the island, Beragala earthslip is particularly significant because of the possible disruption of the transportation system in the southern part of the .central highlands. This paper describes the geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring carried out as a part of a major research project to study the behaviour of the Beragala landslide. The landslide is monitored using GPS method, extensometers and precise leveling of embedded markers. It is expected that interpretation of the results of this instrumentation would lead to the identification of the mechanism of the landslide and thereby enable the determination of suitable remedial measures if required.
The Role of Toxocariasis in Childhood Wheezing
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Jayasena, L.; Jiffry, M. N.; Wijesundera, M.; Ranaweera, R. L. A. R.
With the introduction of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using Toxocara canis antigen it has been shown that Toxocariasis is commoner than previously believed to be. Dogs in Sri Lanka are known to be heavily infected with Toxocara canis and man gets infected by ingestion of infective eggs in the soil, or on contaminated hands. Children especially with poor hygienic habits are at increased risk of developing Toxocariasis. Wheeze is common during childhood, and it is a known clinical manifestation of Toxocariasis. A study was undertaken to determine whether Toxocara canis infection is a significant aetiological factor in childhood wheezing. The study group consisted of children aged six months to ten years admitted with wheezing/asthma, during the same period. A questionnaire was used to obtain basic data. White blood cell counts and Toxocara antibody tests ELISA technique were done on the patients and the controls. 18 (24.6%) Children out of a total of 73 were found seropositive in the test group as compared to 10 (17%) out of 59 in the control group.
Chemical Variations of Uncaria Ellipitca
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Chandrasena, W. D.; Diyabalanage, T. K. K.; Wannigama, G. P.
Uncaria elliptica is a woody climber, widely distributed in South and South East Asia. The species collected in Thailand and the species collected in Malaysia show chemical variations. This investigation reports chemical variations of the species within Sri Lanka itself Samples of the species were collected from the Kanneliya (KN) and Udawattakelle (UK) forest reserves. The KN plant and the UK plant showed minor differences in their triterpenoid compositions. The alkaloids of the two plants showed more striking differences. The KN plant gave ajmalicine, incorporating one molecule of tryptamine and one molecule of secologanin. The UK plant gave no ajmalicine, but gave the roxburghines, incorporating two molecules of tryptamine and one molecule of secologanin. The roxburghines are unique to the genus and among its 34 species, are found only in Uncaria elliptica.
Antifungal Compounds in Freckle-Infected Bananas and Their Role in Anthracnose Development
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Abayasekara, C. L; Adikaram, N. K. B.
Freckle disease of banana caused by Phyllosticta musarum is widespread in Sri Lanka. While the disease continues to adversely affect the banana export industry, the freckled fruits are quite accepted by the local consumer. The disease is characterized by pin-head sized, restricted and isolated spots in the outer tissue layers of the fruit peel Freckles are rough to the touch and heavy infections may give a reddish-brown colour to the skin affecting the external appearance and lowering market quality (Abayasekara et all993). The infections that take place when the bunch is young do not expand into progressive rots during fruit ripening. The disease therefore does not result in quantitative losses. In contrast to freckle, the anthracnose disease (Colletotrichum musae) causes severe post harvest losses to ripe bananas in every banana growing region of the world . (Waller, 1992). The disease is generally controlled by post harvest treatment with fimgicides. In Sri Lanka too the anthracnose is the most damaging postharvest disease in banana, but no adequate control measures are practiced. The incidence of anthracnose disease was observed to be significantly less in freckle- infected fruits var. 'Ambul" (Mysoor, AAB group) than those without freckles. A negative correlation was observed between the density of freckle infections and the severity of anthracnose lesions that develop during fruit ripening. A similar trend was observed when unripe bananas having varied freckle spots were artificially inoculated with Cmusae where significantly lesser anthracnose lesion development occurred in heavily freckled fruits than those with lesser freckles. However, the anthracnose fimgus, C.musae, could be isolated more frequently from the surface-sterilized peel of freckled fruits than non-freckled fruits showing that more latent infections are found in the freckled fruit skin. This investigation has further shown that the freckle infection is associated with the accumulation of at least three phytoalexins in the peel tissues of unripe bananas. Peel tissues were excised from freckled and non-freckled unripe banana fruits separately and extracted in ethyl acetate by vacuum infiltration for 4 hours. The extracts were concentrated and bioassayed on thin layer chromatography plates using conidia of Cladosporium cladospoeioides or Cmusae. The extracts obtained from freckled fruit peel produced three antifungal zones. The most prominent antifimgal zone was at Rf 0.60, which was present in peels with low, moderate or high levels of freckling. The other two antifungal zones were observed only when freckling was moderate or high in the fruit peel, one being more prominent (RfO.3l) than the other. In general the total antifungal activity was greater in the heavily freckled bananas than those with moderate or low freckle infection. The extracts of healthy banana peels did not show any antifungal activity. Freckle- infected fruit peels continued to show antifungal activity during the ripening process. The antifungal activity could be detected even in fruits that are infected by the freckle fimgus at a very early stage of maturity. The results of the investigation indicate that the accumulation of antifungal substances in response to freckle infection may be a major factor that makes the banana fruits resistant to anthracnose disease. In order to chemically separate the antifungal compounds, a large scale extraction was carried out using 100 g of freckled peel tissue. The extract was fractionated by flash chromatography at the Department of Chemistry, the active fractions were identified by lLC- bioassay. The purification of antifungal constituents from the active fractions is at present in progress. This is the first record of accumulation of phytoalexins in response to freckle infection of banana fruit peel Earlier Mulvana et al, (1968) showed that ethanolic extracts from healthy, green Cavendish banana were antifungal and suggested that this might restrict the growth of C. musae in vivo. However, Muirhead (1981) found no evidence of a preformed antifungal compound that restricts the growth of C. musae. He attributed the antifungal activity to oxidation products formed during extraction from the phenolic compound, dopamine. In another investigation unripe bananas were inoculated with conidia of C. musae and the necrotic spots resuhed beneath the inoculum droplet, when bioassayed, contained five fungitoxic compounds. These compounds were not present in healthy tissues (Brown and Swinburne, 1980). The compounds produced in infected tissues apparently disappear with fruit ripening. There were no reports of any follow up work on these fungitoxic compounds. Induction of resistance has been shown to be an effective way of protecting plants from pathogen attack (Wilson et aI1994). Non-pathogenic or less aggressive microorganisms and mild strains of pathogens have been used to induce resistance in fruits and vegetables against postharvest pathogens. Strains of Penicillium funiculosum non-pathogenic to pineapple have been used to protect the fruits from pathogenic strains of this fungus (Lim and Rohrbach 1980). The present investigations have clearly indicated that the freckling induces fruit resistance to anthracnose through accunmIation of phytoalexins. Many Sri Lankans believe that the freckled banana fruits are more tastier than the non-freckled ones. Freckling appears to offer yet another advantage by naturally suppressing anthracnose disease. It is possible that the development of a strain of the freckle fungus or an elicitor, capable of inducing similar phytoalexin response without inflicting freckle symptoms, may help protect banana fruits from anthracnose.
Evaluation of a Malaria Antibody Elisa as a Malaria Screening Test for Blood Donors
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Wijesundera, M. De S.; Ranaweera, R. L. A. R.; Voller, A.; Bidwell, D. E.
A PI Antibody ELISA was validated for local use in screening blood donors from blood banks at Kandy, Peradeniya and Matale. A total of 1181 donors were screened. The pooled results of Kandy-Peradeniya showed a 9.5% positivity and for Matale it was 28.2%. Of 62 antibody positive sera tested for PI antigen carriage, 49(19"10) were found positive. All donors from Peradeniya were negative for parasites on blood films. Results indicate a need for routine serological screening of donors to limit the risk of transfusion malaria.
Premary Study on the Protein Chemistry of Goat Milk
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Weerabadda, W. K. C.; Horadagoda, A.; Wijewardena, T. G.
Incidence of food allergy can increase with the introduction of cow milk/(Wood 1986). Food allergy is the clinical syndrome resulting from sensitisation of an individual to dietary proteins or other allergens present in the intestinal1umen. Cow milk allergy is common during infancy however, it is not confined to childhood (Deamer. Gerrard and Speer 1979). Allergic response elicited by cows milk may be attributed to its soluble whey proteins and such persons are prescribed goat milk or cow milk products such as yoghurt which they appear to tolerate well. Unlike cow milk, there is a dearth of information on the composition and chemistry of goat milk proteins which may be responsible for the aforementioned favourable effect. In this study, proteins in goat milk have been analysed and compared with those of human milk, cow milk and yoghurts (made out of cow milk) in order to understand the reasons for this differences in the allergic responses. Twenty five samples of milk were collected from each species. In the cow and the goat these were collected at different stages of lactation but it was ensured that equal numbers per stages were collected in each species. In the human all samples were from early lactation. All the samples were analysed for total protein, casein, whey proteins by using both Kjeldhal and Biuret assays and further analysed by Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The electrophoretic patterns of proteins in individual samples were compared with that of the commercially available milk protein standards. The average total protein concentration (g/I) of goat milk, cow milk, human milk and yoghurt was 35.2, 33.5, 8.3 and 33.0 respectively. The casein concentration and the whey proteins for the three species were 29.1,24.1,2.4 and 6.13,9.51, 5.97 (g/I) respectively. Casein to whey protein ratio was high in cow and goat milk and in human the ratio was very much lower. SDS-PAGE revealed that goat milk had similar protein bands to that of cow milk but during the preparation of yoghurt the whey protein fraction of fresh milk has reduced and SDS-PAGE showed lighter whey protein bands in the yoghurt. Further studies are in progress to identify and quantitate the different proteins of these milks and their products.
Efect of Smoke Curing on some Foods in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Samarajeewa, U.; Wijeratne, M. C. P.; Rodrigo, M. C. P.; Karunaratne, G. D. D. P.
Foods are smoke cured for drying and to impart new organoleptic properties. The smoke produced during combustion and thermal decomposition of organic substances is a colloidal suspension of vapour, liquid droplets and solid particles. Chemically, the smoke contains organic acids, carbonyls, phenols and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH). Some of the PAH are known carcinogens. Understanding of the presence and the mechanisms of contamination of foods by PAH is important from a health point of view and in processing offood. In Sri Lanka, copra and 'Maldive fish' are prepared by smoke curing. Eighty seven samples of coconut kernel products and twelve samples of 'Maldive fish' collected from the oil mills in the coconut triangle and markets in Kandy respectively were analyzed for PAH. The PAH from coconut samples were extracted in to hexane in Soxhlet and the 'Maldive fish' through dichloromethane using standard methods. The hexane extracts were purified by absorbing in to Sep-pak (Bond Elute LRC, Varian Inc.) cartridge and eluting with hexane-dichloromethane (3: 1). Estimation of PAH were done on Shimadzu model LC- 6A HPLC in reverse phase using a Chrompak Chrom Spher PAH glass cartridge, mobile phase of30 - 100% water:acetonitrile and a fluorescent detector. The mean total PAH concentrations observed in copra, coconut oil, copra meal and parings were 102 ± 184,359 ± 412, 68 ± 101 and 109 ± 164 mglkg respectively. More than 90% of the PAH detected were non-carcinogenic. Some of the sun-dried copra and desiccated coconuts did not contain PAR The concentrations ofPAH observed in Sri Lankan copra were much less than observed in copra in other countries of the region. The relatively low concentrations of PAH observed is probably associated with controlled combustion of shells practiced in 'Standard Ceylon Copra Kiln' which provides a relatively 'clean' supply of hot air. The distribution pattern of total PAH between oil and copra meal, compared to what is present in copra used to expel the oil indicate possible production of PAH during mechanical expulsion of oil in mills. The maldive fish contained mean total PAH concentration of 1083 ± 1332 mg/kg. The PAH concentrations in 'maldive fish' were 3 to 4 fold higher than what is reported in smoked salmon. However, the bulk of the PAH in 'maldive fish' were in the outer 2 mm crust which contained 60 to 90% of the PAH. The PAH in the innermost regions of the 'maldive fish' are probably either absorbed from smoke or produced due to heat. Both deposition and thermal generation ofPAH appear to occur in copra and 'maldive fish'. Preparation of regulatory limits for PAH in foods are still in an elementary stage. Germany has insisted on a regulatory limit of 25 mg/kg for total PAH and 5 mglkg for Benzo[ aJpyrene. In view of the concentrations observed in this study and else where it is more appropriate at this stage to classify food containing PAH to the following categories. Such a classification will enable the industries to reduce contamination by modification of smoke curing processes while meeting the day-to-day needs of the smoke cured foods.
Aging and Sexing of Skeletal finds
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Chandrasekara, M. S.; Wikramanayake, E. R.
The aging and sexing of two 12th century skeletons excavated in 1993 in Alahana Pirivena site in Polonnaruwa form the basis of the study. Skeleton No. 1 was of an individual of 5' 1/2" in length as measured in situ. Epiphyseal lines were seen in the partly fused upper and lower ends of the upper ann and forearm bones. The spheno-occipital synchondrosis was present. All maxillary and mandibular teeth were present with partly erupted third molars. With this, the age range can be limited to 16 - 18 years for a female and 18 - 20 years for a male. The muscle markings on the bones were not prominent. The sacrum showed the auricular surface extending up to 2 112segments suggesting that it is more likely to be a male. Skeleton No.2 was that of a heavily built individual. The saggital and coronal sutures of the skull were fused but the occipital and temporal sutures were partly fused. The premolar and molar teeth in both jaws showed attrition and exposure of dentine. From this data, the age of this individual was estimated to be around 55 years or more. Both the prominent muscle markings on bones and the prominent superciliary ridges indicate that this individual is a male.
A. Preliminary Study on Worm Burden in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Goats and Its Association with the Packed Cell Volume Hemoglobin concentration, Total Protein and Eggs Per Gram of Faeces
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Hewawickrama, A. K. B.; Rajapakse, R. P. V. J.; Horadagoda, N. U.
Parasitic gastro-enteritis has been recognized as one of the major constraints to the development of the goat industry in Sri Lanka. Although some of the parasites responsible for the disease have been identified, the purpose of this study was to quantify relative numbers of each species in order to determine their significance in the usefulness of eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces and packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin (Hb) percentage in the blood as indicators of the worm burden particularly blood sucking nematodes. Young goats (age-<18 months) brought mainly from dry zone to the Colombo municipal abattoir between January to July of 1996 were selected for this Study. Samples of blood were collected into EDT A for the estimation of PCV and Hb% and faeces were obtained directly from the rectum for determination of EPG. The gastrointestinal tracts were collected at the time of slaughter and the parasites in the contents of the abomasum, small and large intestines were identified and counted separately. The abomasum and small intestines were subjected to pepsin digestion in order to determine the presence of histrophic larvae. Nine species of helminths were identified in 124 of the 125 animals examined. One animal was parasite free. The nematodes present included Trichostrongylus colubriformis (78.72%), Oesophagostomum columbianum and Venulosum (89.36%), Haemonchus contortus (65.0%), Strongyloides papillosus (5.21%) Trichostrongylus axei (40.0%), Trichuris ovis (50.0%) and Bunostomum phlebotomum (2%). Moniezia benedine, a cestode was revealed in eleven animals (11.7%). The pepsin digested contents of the abomasum revealed larvae only in 11 animals (11.7%) and small intestines did not reveal any larvae. There was no association between the EPG, PCV and Hb% and the total worm burden. Conversely, the PCV and Hb% appeared to have a close relationship with the number of adult Haemonchus contortus present in the abomasum This research is an on going project and further the results would be evaluated in the near future.

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