University of Kelaniya

Multiple point and nonpoint sources add complex mixtures of pollutants that may pose detrimental impacts on freshwater fish. These pollutants include metallic and nonmetallic inorganic ions and an array of organic compounds. Climate-related scenarios and a mixture of contaminants entering riverine ecosystems have impacted many endemic freshwater fish species in Sri Lanka. The present research aims to identify morphological, physiological, and behavioral changes upon exposure to xenobiotics and to predict the influence of climate on these fishes. We discussed the biomarker responses of feral fish, combined with their physicochemical characterization. Moreover, the discussion emphasized empirical evidence from controlled laboratory experiments. Together, these elements were used to interpret the possible future impacts of climate change on the fish in lotic ecosystems. The effects of nanoparticles, microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and endocrine disruptors, and their interplay with climate-related physicochemical variation, have been identified as a research gap. The primary research directions for the future include establishing multi-stressor experimental frameworks that integrate a mixture of xenobiotic exposures of indigenous fishes. The development of standardized biological monitoring protocols that simulate real-world conditions in lotic ecosystems is crucial. Introduction of scientific, evidence-based, robust, and urgent legislative reforms to regulate cumulative pollution may provide a strong legal framework to prevent devastating impacts on freshwater fishes in lotic ecosystems in Sri Lanka.

Small for gestational age and fetal growth restriction are two leading causes for low birth weight in term newborns. Due to the considerable overlap, the exact interactions between these groups have not been adequately studied. We aim to determine the prevalence, interactions, determinants, and outcomes of low birth weight, small for gestational age, and fetal growth restriction in term neonates. A cross-sectional study with a short-term follow-up was conducted at Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka, between June and August 2025. All neonates of singleton pregnancies born at term were eligible. Stillbirths, multiple pregnancies and newborns born preterm, post-term, with uncertain gestations or with antenatally diagnosed congenital anomalies were excluded. The prevalence and interactions of low birth weight, small for gestational age, and fetal growth restriction were determined, and their risk factors were analysed. 437 term newborns (male-54.0%, primipara-53.3%) were recruited. The prevalence of low birth weight, small for gestational age, and fetal growth restriction were 14.0%, 15.1% and 14.9%, respectively. Of the low birth weight neonates, 75.4% were small for gestational age, and 50.8% had fetal growth restriction, while 20% did not have either. Of the low birth weight neonates who were small for gestational age, 18 did not have fetal growth restriction, indicating 29.5% of low birth weight neonates were constitutionally small. Female sex of the baby, low paternal education level, and pregnancy induced hypertension in the mother were significant independent risk factors for low birth weight. Low birth weight and fetal growth restriction were associated with a higher incidence of intensive care admissions, neonatal sepsis, and neonatal jaundice. The prevalence of low birth weight, small for gestational age, and fetal growth restriction in term neonates was 14.0%, 15.1% and 14.9%, respectively. Among low birth weight neonates, one-fifth had neither small for gestational age nor fetal growth restriction; therefore, healthy. An additional 30% of low birth weight babies did not have fetal growth restriction, indicating they are constitutionally small. Neonatal complications were associated more with low birth weight and fetal growth restriction than with small for gestational age.

Rationale and Major Conclusions Splenectomy is a conventional surgical intervention in transfusion-dependent beta thalassaemia (TDT) to manage symptomatic hypersplenism and reduce annual blood transfusion requirements. While the procedure successfully reduces the immediate volume of required transfusions, it fundamentally alters the ferrokinetic profile of the patient by removing a secondary storage reservoir for iron. Our study demonstrates that despite lower transfusion requirements, splenectomy is independently associated with a significant and clinically relevant increase in liver stiffness measurements (LSM), suggesting that the loss of the splenic "iron buffer" may accelerate hepatic fibrogenesis. These findings highlight a critical need for clinicians to prioritize medical management of hypersplenism over surgical intervention when possible and to implement rigorous hepatic monitoring for those who have already undergone the procedure.

Abstract Objectives To compare the efficacy, acceptability, and feasibility of traditional Buddhist mindfulness (TBM) versus secular mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for residual depressive symptoms, and to examine whether TBM is non-inferior to MBCT in improving depressive symptoms and psychological wellbeing. Methods In this pilot randomized controlled trial, Buddhist adults with residual depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory–II [BDI-II] score > 13) receiving outpatient antidepressant treatment were randomized to an 8-week group-based TBM or MBCT intervention. Primary outcomes were depressive symptoms (BDI-II) and psychological wellbeing (WHO-5 Well-Being Index). Secondary outcomes included mindfulness, self-compassion, and perceived benefits from religiosity/spirituality. Primary analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle. Non-inferiority margins were prespecified at 2.5 BDI-II points and 1.25 WHO-5 points. Results Sixty-six participants were randomized (TBM = 34; MBCT = 32). Both interventions produced significant within-group improvements. Mean BDI-II scores decreased by 13.1 points in TBM ( p < .001; Cohen’s d = 0.93) and 12.9 points in MBCT ( p < .001; d = 1.15). WHO-5 scores increased by 6.8 points in TBM ( p < .001; d = 0.93) and 6.9 points in MBCT ( p < .001; d = 0.95). Between-group differences were not statistically significant, and non-inferiority of TBM was not demonstrated (BDI-II: Mdiff = − 0.16, 95% CI − 5.4 to 5.1; WHO-5: Mdiff = − 0.2, 95% CI − 3.2 to 2.8). Mindfulness and self-compassion increased in both groups, while religiosity/spirituality increased only in TBM. Conclusions Both TBM and MBCT were associated with large, clinically meaningful improvements and comparable acceptability. TBM’s selective effect on religiosity/spirituality highlights its cultural relevance and supports further evaluation in larger trials. Pre-registration: This study was registered in the Clinical Trial Registry ([Blinded for Review]) on 13/06/2024.

Pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) is a common fungicide that triggers oxidative stress in plants, slowing growth and breaking down chlorophyll. This research examines the ameliorative potential of Rutin dihydrate, to rescue the growth of Brassica rapa var. parachinensis , commonly known as Chinese flowering cabbage, under PCNB stress. Plants were exposed to varying concentrations of PCNB (10 and 20 mg/kg soil) and treated with Rutin dihydrate (0.5 and 1.0 mg/L) through foliar application. PCNB when applied at 2 mg/kg, significantly decreased shoot and root length, as well as fresh and dry biomass, with effects ranging from 15.1‐ to 38.7% compared to the control plants. Rutin dihydrate application at both concentrations significantly improved the antioxidant enzyme activities, accumulation of photosynthetic pigments and carotenoid contents in Chinese flowering cabbage raised in the presence of PCNB. Subsequently, non‐targeted metabolomic analysis was performed on an HPLC‐ESI‐QQQ‐MS system. Results showed noteworthy reprogramming of primary and secondary metabolism. Rutin‐primed plants showed an up‐regulation of different metabolites, including phenolic compounds, compared to the control plants. These findings highlight the potential of Rutin dihydrate as an eco‐friendly biostimulant to counteract pesticide‐induced stress, offering a sustainable approach to improving plant resilience and agricultural productivity.

This study aims to determine the extent to which water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) coverage is established in rural schools, and the barriers to accessing WASH services in the Dehiovita educational zone of the Kegalle District in Sri Lanka. Random sampling was used to collect data from 500 students in grades 7–13 from 15 schools using a semi-structured questionnaire. The analysis shows that 43% of children use unsafe plastic bottles, 62% reported broken taps as a major barrier to safe access to water, and 54% reported receiving inadequately treated water. The majority of respondents (88%) mentioned that they do not use soap after using the toilet. In terms of menstrual hygiene management, 26% of female students do not use the sanitation facilities due to issues such as poor quality or safety concerns in the sanitary services provided, and this may prevent the achievement of gender justice in WASH coverage. These findings highlight the urgent need to raise awareness in schools about safe water consumption, sanitation, hygiene practices and spread of water-borne diseases.

This study reports a novel approach to chronic woundtherapy byfabricating a dual antimicrobial electrospun wound dressing that simultaneouslydelivers neomycin (antibacterial) and clotrimazole (antifungal) ina poly­(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and biocompatible chitosan (CS) PVA/CSmatrix. Compared to single-drug products in use today, this new dressingmitigates polymicrobial infections characteristic of chronic woundsthrough controlled dual-drug release kinetics, with initial rapidneomycin (NM) release to instantaneously control bacteria and slowdiffusion of clotrimazole (CZ) to provide extended antifungal coverage.Because they take longer to heal, chronic wounds with bacterial andfungal infections pose serious healthcare difficulties. The optimalpolymer combination of 3% (w/v) PVA and 3% (w/v) chitosan in a ratioof 4:1 (PVA/CS) was determined, with drug concentrations being 0.5%(w/v) neomycin and 1% (w/v) clotrimazole, and nanofibers with averagediameters of 60 ± 18 nm (control) and 87 ± 26 nm (drug-loadedfilms) were achieved. The dressings reported good mechanical properties(7.49 MPa tensile strength) and enhanced fluid absorption capacities(299% water absorption), suitable for application in wound healing.Kinetic patterns in drug release investigations revealed therapeuticactivity optimized uniquely. Neomycin displayed rapid initial release(40% within the first hour) following non-Fickian Weibull kinetics(R2 = 0.88), while clotrimazole showedsustained Higuchi-type diffusion (R2 =0.97). The wound dressing exhibited greater antimicrobial activityagainst Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (zones of inhibition:22.5 ± 0.7 mm and 18.5 ± 0.7 mm, respectively) and excellentantifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Lasiodiplodia theobromae (zonesof inhibition: 35.8 ± 7.4 mm and 27.0 ± 1.4 mm, respectively).The FTIR analysis confirmed successful drug incorporation within thepolymer matrix. This innovative multifunctional electrospun wounddressing is effectively fabricated with tailored dual antimicrobialrelease profiles, achieving an integrated approach to chronic woundtreatment. Subsequent studies should involve in vivo investigations and clinical trials for evidence of safety and efficacyin the future.

Human gut microbiomes respond to lifestyle transitions, yet the extent to which these responses are conserved across spatio-cultural contexts remains undercharacterized. We present the South Asian MicroBiome ARray (SAMBAR), a population-scale 16S gut microbiome study of 575 adults from ten geographically and socio-culturally diverse South Asian communities. Each community was sampled in ancestral villages and urban centers, enabling controlled comparisons of geography and lifestyle. Relative to global cohorts, SAMBAR microbiomes occupy a distinct compositional space with stronger correlation to geography and community membership than lifestyle. Although urbanization is consistently associated with increased abundance of disease-linked taxa, microbiome responses to lifestyle transitions are largely community-driven, including the acquisition of wheat- and dairying-associated microbial modules in some communities that may facilitate non-genetic adaptation to lactase non-persistence. Microbiome responses to urbanization are heterogeneous even at regional scales, reflecting local culture and geography and underscoring the need for community-specific investigations of health impacts.