人口的剧增、土壤的退化和环境的恶化,是当前社会可持续发展所面临的严峻挑战。作为人类生存空间的土地资源的可持续利用成为政府和社会所关注的核心。由于土壤资源信息系统能够为用户提供准确、及时的土壤信息和相关信息,因此,利用GIS...人口的剧增、土壤的退化和环境的恶化,是当前社会可持续发展所面临的严峻挑战。作为人类生存空间的土地资源的可持续利用成为政府和社会所关注的核心。由于土壤资源信息系统能够为用户提供准确、及时的土壤信息和相关信息,因此,利用GIS技术建立土壤资源信息系统是近年来普遍的趋势。概述了土壤资源信息系统(Soil Resource Information System,SRIS)的概念、形成及其发展过程。介绍了土壤资源信息系统在数字化制图、土地资源评价和环境保护、水土流失、"精作农业"各方面的应用,并对今后中国的土壤资源信息系统的发展提出了几点建议。展开更多
Antimony smelting activities damage the soil and vegetation surroundings while generating economic value.However,no standardizedmethods are available to diagnose the extent of soil degradation at antimony smelting sit...Antimony smelting activities damage the soil and vegetation surroundings while generating economic value.However,no standardizedmethods are available to diagnose the extent of soil degradation at antimony smelting sites.This study developed a standardized framework for assessing soil quality by consideringmicrobial-induced resilience and heavymetal contamination at Xikuangshan antimony smelting site.The soil resilience index(SRI)and soil contamination index(SCI)were calculated byMinimum Data Set and geo-accumulation model,respectively.After standardized by a multi-criteria quantitative procedure of modified Nemerow’s pollution index(NPI),the integrated assessment of soil quality index(SQI),which is the minimumof SRINPI and SCINPI,was achieved.The results showed that Sb and As were the prominent metal(loid)pollutants,and significant correlations between SQI and SRI indicated that the poor soil quality was mainly caused by the low level of soil resilience.The primary limiting factors of SRI were Fungi in high andmiddle contaminated areas,and Skermanella in low contaminated area,suggesting that the weak soil resilience was caused by low specific microbial abundances.Microbial regulation and phytoremediation are greatly required to improve the soil quality at antimony smelting sites from the perspectives of pollution control and resilience improvement.This study improves our understanding of ecological effects of antimony smelting sites and provides a theoretical basis for ecological restoration and sustainable development of mining areas.展开更多
This study investigates the psychological and cultural motivations that underpin charitable giving in Sri Lanka,with particular attention to whether such behaviour can be considered genuinely altruistic.While charitab...This study investigates the psychological and cultural motivations that underpin charitable giving in Sri Lanka,with particular attention to whether such behaviour can be considered genuinely altruistic.While charitable acts are commonly perceived as selfless,this research highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of the motivations involved.Using a qualitative approach,semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals who regularly engage in charitable activities.Thematic analysis revealed three overarching categories of motivation.The first,obliged motives stem from social expectations and religious duty.The second,independent motives reflect personal values and intrinsic satisfaction.The third,ambivalent motives are a novel category that captures the simultaneous interplay between self-serving and other-oriented intentions.The emergence of ambivalent motives is especially significant,as it challenges binary distinctions between altruism and egoism,suggesting that charitable giving frequently serves psychological,social,and existential needs alongside prosocial goals.The findings support established psychological frameworks such as Self-Determination Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior,while also highlighting the unique cultural dynamics of Sri Lankan society,particularly the influence of Buddhist ethics and collectivist values.These cultural factors shape both the meaning and practice of giving,embedding it within broader narratives of moral obligation,social harmony,and spiritual merit.Ultimately,the study concludes that while charitable giving in Sri Lanka may outwardly appear altruistic,it is often driven by a complex mixture of internal and external motives,suggesting that authenticity in giving is rarely absolute but rather contextually and psychologically mediated.展开更多
This study was conducted to develop a comprehensive framework for empowering women who work in disaster risk governance in Sri Lanka.Women's empowerment in disaster risk governance has been identified as a strateg...This study was conducted to develop a comprehensive framework for empowering women who work in disaster risk governance in Sri Lanka.Women's empowerment in disaster risk governance has been identified as a strategy to reduce women's vulnerability to disasters and strengthen the disaster risk governance system towards building a resilient society.The study was conducted within the Sri Lankan disaster preparedness system because of the high disaster profile and the lower level of women's empowerment in the decision-making system.A case study strategy was employed for data collection.Three highly disaster-prone districts were selected and we conducted 26 semistructured case study interviews.In addition,14 expert interviews were conducted for better triangulating the results.Thematic analysis and cognitive mapping were adopted for data analysis and identifying strategies.Based on the study findings,a comprehensive framework was developed with four intervention mechanisms:individual,community,organizational,and legislative.Each group of interventions was divided into primary and secondary actions based on their priorities.The validated framework will guide policymakers and practitioners in supporting women's empowerment in governance with the ultimate objective of enhancing societal resilience.展开更多
Objective:To confirm the presence of Culex(Cx.)(Lophoceraomyia)cinctellus in Sri Lanka using morphological and molecular evidence.Methods:From October 2019 to April 2020,mosquito surveillance was conducted fort-nightl...Objective:To confirm the presence of Culex(Cx.)(Lophoceraomyia)cinctellus in Sri Lanka using morphological and molecular evidence.Methods:From October 2019 to April 2020,mosquito surveillance was conducted fort-nightly in the Banduragoda Public Health Inspector area.Larvae were collected using standard siphoning methods,while adults were sampled using Cattle Baited Trap,Gravid Traps,Light Traps,Bird-Baited Traps,Dog Baited Traps,and diurnal human landing collections.Specimens were transported to the Entomology Laboratory at the Medical Research Institute for identification.Morphological identification was performed using standard taxonomic keys.Molecular confirmation was achieved through DNA sequencing of mosquito head and thoracic regions,followed by sequence analysis using NCBI BLAST and Geneious software(version 7.1.3).Results:Adults of Cx.cinctellus were identified in Bird-Baited Traps and human bait collections.Unique morphological characteristics,including well-developed pulvilli,wing vein 1A ending before the apex of cross vein mcu,basal transverse pale bands on abdominal terga,and two labial basal setae on the proboscis,confirmed species identity.Morphometric measurements included mean thoracic length(0.58±0.02)mm,thoracic width(0.63±0.02)mm,abdominal length(2.15±0.03)mm,abdominal width(0.61±0.01)mm,and wing length(2.91±0.02)mm.Molecular analysis corroborated the morphological identification,affirming the species as Cx.cinctellus.COI sequences of the collected specimen(452 bp)were confirmed as Cx.cinctellus for sequence identity by BLAST and BOLD analysis.These sequences were subsequently deposited in GenBank under the accession number OR225623.1.Conclusions:This study documents the first occurrence of Cx.cinctellus in Sri Lanka,highlighting the need to enhance entomological surveillance to monitor its dispersal and population dynamics.展开更多
BACKGROUND The emergence of the Omicron variant(B.1.1.529)of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)raised global concerns with its highly transmissible nature.AIM To investigate the genomic,clinic...BACKGROUND The emergence of the Omicron variant(B.1.1.529)of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)raised global concerns with its highly transmissible nature.AIM To investigate the genomic,clinical,and demographic characteristics of Omicron infections within the early outbreak cluster in western part of Sri Lanka.METHODS We analyzed sequence data from January 2022 to April 2022 to understand variant dynamics,clinical presentation,and demographic associations.RESULTS Whole-genome sequencing of 85 nasopharyngeal and throat swab samples collected in western part of Sri Lanka between January and April 2022 identified 70(82.34%)of it as Omicron variants.BA.2 was the most prevalent sub-lineage(57%),followed by BA.1.1(14.20%)and majority of them were from>12 years old individuals.Phylogenetic analysis revealed clustering into four distinct clades(21I,21K,21L,and 21M),suggesting potential differences in transmission chains or evolutionary pressures.CONCLUSION This study found BA.2 to be the predominant Omicron sub-lineage in the western part of Sri Lanka during the first quarter of 2022,aligning with global trends.Phylogenetic analysis revealed diverse introductions and local transmission.Continued genomic surveillance and robust public health measures remain crucial for managing the evolving SARS-CoV-2 landscape.展开更多
The World Health Organization declared Sri Lanka a malaria eliminated country in 2016[1-3].At present,the country is in the phase of preventing the re-establishment of malaria[4].However,travelers who contract the dis...The World Health Organization declared Sri Lanka a malaria eliminated country in 2016[1-3].At present,the country is in the phase of preventing the re-establishment of malaria[4].However,travelers who contract the disease overseas in malaria endemic countries continue to present a constant risk of re-establishing malaria in Sri Lanka,where malaria-transmitting mosquitos is prevalent.In this context,robust measures are being implemented in the country to prevent re-establishment of malaria and to stop travelers infected with malaria progressing into severe disease and death.展开更多
On 7 January 2025,CAFIU Vice-President Ai Ping met with Indrananda Abeysekera,President of the Association for Sri Lanka-China Social and Cultural Cooperation(ASLCSCC).The two sides exchanged views on China-Sri Lanka ...On 7 January 2025,CAFIU Vice-President Ai Ping met with Indrananda Abeysekera,President of the Association for Sri Lanka-China Social and Cultural Cooperation(ASLCSCC).The two sides exchanged views on China-Sri Lanka relations as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges.展开更多
Dengue fever presents a significant and persistent public health challenge in Sri Lanka.The disease,transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes,affects individuals across all age groups,with working p...Dengue fever presents a significant and persistent public health challenge in Sri Lanka.The disease,transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes,affects individuals across all age groups,with working populations and school-aged children at higher risk due to increased outdoor exposure[1].Dengue transmission in Sri Lanka is seasonal with two high transmission waves corresponding with the two monsoon rains every year.The estimated average annual incidence is 175/100000 population,and it was 407.5/100000 in 2023 with a case fatality rate of 0.07%[2].展开更多
BACKGROUND Overweight children exhibit a higher prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders compared with their normal-weight peers,yet the underlying reasons remain unclear.Gastrointestinal motility,a key pat...BACKGROUND Overweight children exhibit a higher prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders compared with their normal-weight peers,yet the underlying reasons remain unclear.Gastrointestinal motility,a key pathophysiological factor in functional gastrointestinal disorders,may be influenced by body mass index(BMI).AIM To evaluate the impact of BMI on gastric motility parameters in children with functional abdominal pain disorders(FAPDs).METHODS We assessed gastric motility in 176 children with FAPDs(61.4%females,mean age 7.94 years,SD 1.96 years)and 63 healthy controls(57.1%females,mean age 9.17 years,SD 1.90 years)at the Gastroenterology Research Laboratory,University of Kelaniya,Sri Lanka.FAPDs were diagnosed and subtyped using the Rome IV criteria:Functional abdominal pain 97 patients;irritable bowel syndrome 39 patients,functional dyspepsia(FD)25 patients;and abdominal migraine 15 patients.Gastric motility was measured using a validated ultrasound method.Weight and height were measured using sensitive standard scales.RESULTS The BMIs of children with FAPDs and controls were 15.04 and 15.46 kg/m^(2),respectively(P=0.33).Fasting antral area(FAA)and antral area at 1 min(AA1)and 15 min(AA15)were significantly greater in patients with FAPD with a higher BMI(2.71 cm^(2),12.57 cm^(2),and 7.19 cm^(2),respectively)compared with those with a lower BMI(2.12 cm^(2),10.68 cm^(2),and 6.13 cm^(2),respectively)(P<0.01).BMI positively correlated with FAA and AA15(r=0.18 and r=0.19,respectively)(P<0.01)in those with FAPDs.In controls,only AA1 was greater in the higher BMI group(12.51 cm^(2)vs 9.93 cm^(2))and had a positive correlation(r=0.33)(P≤0.01).Subgroup analysis revealed that in patients with FD,BMI negatively correlated with gastric emptying rate(GER)(r=-0.59)and antral motility index(MI)(r=-0.49),while in functional abdominal pain,MI positively correlated(r=0.25)with BMI(P≤0.01).CONCLUSION In children with FAPDs,higher BMI was associated with increased gastric antral distention during fasting and postprandial periods(as indicated by FAA,AA1,and AA15)but not with contractility and transit(MI,GER).However,in the FD subgroup,high BMI correlated with reduced GER and MI.This indicates the possible role of BMI in gastric hypomotility and the pathophysiology of FD.These findings underscore the importance of lifestyle and dietary interventions aimed at optimizing BMI in the management of FAPDs,particularly FD.展开更多
Comprehensively revealing the intensity of drought propagation from meteorological to hydrological drought is crucial for effective drought monitoring and management.However,existing assessments often fail to integrat...Comprehensively revealing the intensity of drought propagation from meteorological to hydrological drought is crucial for effective drought monitoring and management.However,existing assessments often fail to integrate multiple drought characteristics,resulting in incomplete evaluations.To address this limitation,this study introduced the drought comprehensive propagation intensity(DCPI)index,a systematic tool that quantifies propagation intensity and incorporates five drought characteristic indicators(drought frequency,total duration,maximum duration,coverage,and degree)to assess the comprehensive drought intensity in the upper Shiyang River Basin,China from 1961 to 2023.The results indicated that pre-1980s drought propagation was relatively weak(DCPI<0.964),reflecting stable hydrological homeostasis.After the 1980s,the intensity significantly increased,peaking at 5.530(rather strong drought)in the 2000s due to human-induced alterations in surface runoff and ecological changes.Spatially,the western tributaries(e.g.,the Xida River Watershed)presented stronger hydrological drought intensity,whereas the eastern tributaries(e.g.,the Huangyang,Gulang,and Dajing river watersheds)presented higher meteorological drought intensity.The DCPI values decreased from west to east,with near peer-to-peer propagation observed in the Dongda,Huangyang,and Jinta river watersheds,suggesting minimal human interference.A nonlinear relationship between meteorological and hydrological droughts was identified,with severe drought frequency and duration emerging as critical drivers of propagation intensity.Notably,trends of meteorological humidification coexist with hydrological aridification,highlighting systemic challenges for water resource management.The DCPI framework enhances the understanding of drought mechanisms by enabling a structured evaluation of drought impacts,which is essential for developing effective water resource strategies and ecological restoration efforts in arid areas.This study underscores the importance of integrating multi-dimensional drought characteristics to improve prediction accuracy and inform policy decisions.展开更多
Background:No studies have documented long-term trends in aboveground biomass(AGB)for mixed-dipterocarp forests(MDF),the dominant rain forest type in tropical wet equatorial Asia.In our study,we sought to document suc...Background:No studies have documented long-term trends in aboveground biomass(AGB)for mixed-dipterocarp forests(MDF),the dominant rain forest type in tropical wet equatorial Asia.In our study,we sought to document such trends over forty years across three sites representing lowland to lower montane elevations.Methods:To do this,we established fifty 100 m×25 m plots in 1978 across three sites sampled along an elevation gradient,identified as mature old-growth forest.We measured trees for diameter at breast height that we identified to species and tagged.We took wood samples to calculate species wood-specific gravity.We re-measured plots in 1998 and again in 2018.Results:We show standing AGB for all sites combined to be 517.52 Mg·ha^(-1)in 1978,but this declined by 17%over 40 years to 430.11 Mg·ha^(-1).No differences exist among sites in AGB primarily because of considerable within site variation;but interactions of time with site show declines across sites were not uniform,one remained about the same.Relatively few species represented a high proportion of the AGB with the top five species comprising between 34%and 65%,depending upon site and year sampled.One species,Mesua nagassarium,represented a disproportionately large amount of AGB and decline over time,particularly at the low elevation site.Conclusions:Our results are directly relevant to estimating AGB and standing carbon sequestered in MDF.Our study is the first to demonstrate varying but overall,declining trends in amounts of AGB among forests making predictions of biomass and standing carbon in MDF difficult over wide regions.展开更多
Objective:To describe the situation of measles in Sri Lanka from May to November,2023 and to define the role of virology laboratory towards case confirmation and epidemiological and genetic characterization of the out...Objective:To describe the situation of measles in Sri Lanka from May to November,2023 and to define the role of virology laboratory towards case confirmation and epidemiological and genetic characterization of the outbreak.Methods:This retrospective study analyzed all samples tested for measles from 1st of May to 30th of November,2023 at National Measles Rubella Laboratory,Sri Lanka.According to the World Health Organization(WHO)algorithm,serum and oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal swabs were tested with WHO recommended kits for anti-measles IgM and measles virus specific RNA,respectively.Selected RNA positive samples were sequenced at reference laboratory,India.Analysis of sequencing data and construction of phylogenetic tree were carried out at National Measles Rubella Laboratory.Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results:Of the total 1132 serum samples and 497 oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal swabs from 1326 patients,657(49.5%)patients were confirmed as measles by anti-measles IgM,measles virus specific RNA or both.Males(55.6%,n=365)and the age group from>20 to≤30 years(33.0%,n=217)predominated positive patients.All provinces reported measles positive cases.All samples sequenced(100%,n=42)were genotype D8 with 95.2%(n=40)bearing Victoria.Australia origin.Conclusions:We described resurgence of measles in an eliminated country,confirming the genotype to be D8,one of the two genotypes currently circulating globally.Further,the study strongly convinced the importance of a strengthened virological surveillance system in an eliminated country,despite its eliminated status.展开更多
文摘人口的剧增、土壤的退化和环境的恶化,是当前社会可持续发展所面临的严峻挑战。作为人类生存空间的土地资源的可持续利用成为政府和社会所关注的核心。由于土壤资源信息系统能够为用户提供准确、及时的土壤信息和相关信息,因此,利用GIS技术建立土壤资源信息系统是近年来普遍的趋势。概述了土壤资源信息系统(Soil Resource Information System,SRIS)的概念、形成及其发展过程。介绍了土壤资源信息系统在数字化制图、土地资源评价和环境保护、水土流失、"精作农业"各方面的应用,并对今后中国的土壤资源信息系统的发展提出了几点建议。
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (No.2019YFC1803604)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.42007306 and 42277193).
文摘Antimony smelting activities damage the soil and vegetation surroundings while generating economic value.However,no standardizedmethods are available to diagnose the extent of soil degradation at antimony smelting sites.This study developed a standardized framework for assessing soil quality by consideringmicrobial-induced resilience and heavymetal contamination at Xikuangshan antimony smelting site.The soil resilience index(SRI)and soil contamination index(SCI)were calculated byMinimum Data Set and geo-accumulation model,respectively.After standardized by a multi-criteria quantitative procedure of modified Nemerow’s pollution index(NPI),the integrated assessment of soil quality index(SQI),which is the minimumof SRINPI and SCINPI,was achieved.The results showed that Sb and As were the prominent metal(loid)pollutants,and significant correlations between SQI and SRI indicated that the poor soil quality was mainly caused by the low level of soil resilience.The primary limiting factors of SRI were Fungi in high andmiddle contaminated areas,and Skermanella in low contaminated area,suggesting that the weak soil resilience was caused by low specific microbial abundances.Microbial regulation and phytoremediation are greatly required to improve the soil quality at antimony smelting sites from the perspectives of pollution control and resilience improvement.This study improves our understanding of ecological effects of antimony smelting sites and provides a theoretical basis for ecological restoration and sustainable development of mining areas.
文摘This study investigates the psychological and cultural motivations that underpin charitable giving in Sri Lanka,with particular attention to whether such behaviour can be considered genuinely altruistic.While charitable acts are commonly perceived as selfless,this research highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of the motivations involved.Using a qualitative approach,semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals who regularly engage in charitable activities.Thematic analysis revealed three overarching categories of motivation.The first,obliged motives stem from social expectations and religious duty.The second,independent motives reflect personal values and intrinsic satisfaction.The third,ambivalent motives are a novel category that captures the simultaneous interplay between self-serving and other-oriented intentions.The emergence of ambivalent motives is especially significant,as it challenges binary distinctions between altruism and egoism,suggesting that charitable giving frequently serves psychological,social,and existential needs alongside prosocial goals.The findings support established psychological frameworks such as Self-Determination Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior,while also highlighting the unique cultural dynamics of Sri Lankan society,particularly the influence of Buddhist ethics and collectivist values.These cultural factors shape both the meaning and practice of giving,embedding it within broader narratives of moral obligation,social harmony,and spiritual merit.Ultimately,the study concludes that while charitable giving in Sri Lanka may outwardly appear altruistic,it is often driven by a complex mixture of internal and external motives,suggesting that authenticity in giving is rarely absolute but rather contextually and psychologically mediated.
文摘This study was conducted to develop a comprehensive framework for empowering women who work in disaster risk governance in Sri Lanka.Women's empowerment in disaster risk governance has been identified as a strategy to reduce women's vulnerability to disasters and strengthen the disaster risk governance system towards building a resilient society.The study was conducted within the Sri Lankan disaster preparedness system because of the high disaster profile and the lower level of women's empowerment in the decision-making system.A case study strategy was employed for data collection.Three highly disaster-prone districts were selected and we conducted 26 semistructured case study interviews.In addition,14 expert interviews were conducted for better triangulating the results.Thematic analysis and cognitive mapping were adopted for data analysis and identifying strategies.Based on the study findings,a comprehensive framework was developed with four intervention mechanisms:individual,community,organizational,and legislative.Each group of interventions was divided into primary and secondary actions based on their priorities.The validated framework will guide policymakers and practitioners in supporting women's empowerment in governance with the ultimate objective of enhancing societal resilience.
文摘Objective:To confirm the presence of Culex(Cx.)(Lophoceraomyia)cinctellus in Sri Lanka using morphological and molecular evidence.Methods:From October 2019 to April 2020,mosquito surveillance was conducted fort-nightly in the Banduragoda Public Health Inspector area.Larvae were collected using standard siphoning methods,while adults were sampled using Cattle Baited Trap,Gravid Traps,Light Traps,Bird-Baited Traps,Dog Baited Traps,and diurnal human landing collections.Specimens were transported to the Entomology Laboratory at the Medical Research Institute for identification.Morphological identification was performed using standard taxonomic keys.Molecular confirmation was achieved through DNA sequencing of mosquito head and thoracic regions,followed by sequence analysis using NCBI BLAST and Geneious software(version 7.1.3).Results:Adults of Cx.cinctellus were identified in Bird-Baited Traps and human bait collections.Unique morphological characteristics,including well-developed pulvilli,wing vein 1A ending before the apex of cross vein mcu,basal transverse pale bands on abdominal terga,and two labial basal setae on the proboscis,confirmed species identity.Morphometric measurements included mean thoracic length(0.58±0.02)mm,thoracic width(0.63±0.02)mm,abdominal length(2.15±0.03)mm,abdominal width(0.61±0.01)mm,and wing length(2.91±0.02)mm.Molecular analysis corroborated the morphological identification,affirming the species as Cx.cinctellus.COI sequences of the collected specimen(452 bp)were confirmed as Cx.cinctellus for sequence identity by BLAST and BOLD analysis.These sequences were subsequently deposited in GenBank under the accession number OR225623.1.Conclusions:This study documents the first occurrence of Cx.cinctellus in Sri Lanka,highlighting the need to enhance entomological surveillance to monitor its dispersal and population dynamics.
文摘BACKGROUND The emergence of the Omicron variant(B.1.1.529)of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)raised global concerns with its highly transmissible nature.AIM To investigate the genomic,clinical,and demographic characteristics of Omicron infections within the early outbreak cluster in western part of Sri Lanka.METHODS We analyzed sequence data from January 2022 to April 2022 to understand variant dynamics,clinical presentation,and demographic associations.RESULTS Whole-genome sequencing of 85 nasopharyngeal and throat swab samples collected in western part of Sri Lanka between January and April 2022 identified 70(82.34%)of it as Omicron variants.BA.2 was the most prevalent sub-lineage(57%),followed by BA.1.1(14.20%)and majority of them were from>12 years old individuals.Phylogenetic analysis revealed clustering into four distinct clades(21I,21K,21L,and 21M),suggesting potential differences in transmission chains or evolutionary pressures.CONCLUSION This study found BA.2 to be the predominant Omicron sub-lineage in the western part of Sri Lanka during the first quarter of 2022,aligning with global trends.Phylogenetic analysis revealed diverse introductions and local transmission.Continued genomic surveillance and robust public health measures remain crucial for managing the evolving SARS-CoV-2 landscape.
文摘The World Health Organization declared Sri Lanka a malaria eliminated country in 2016[1-3].At present,the country is in the phase of preventing the re-establishment of malaria[4].However,travelers who contract the disease overseas in malaria endemic countries continue to present a constant risk of re-establishing malaria in Sri Lanka,where malaria-transmitting mosquitos is prevalent.In this context,robust measures are being implemented in the country to prevent re-establishment of malaria and to stop travelers infected with malaria progressing into severe disease and death.
文摘On 7 January 2025,CAFIU Vice-President Ai Ping met with Indrananda Abeysekera,President of the Association for Sri Lanka-China Social and Cultural Cooperation(ASLCSCC).The two sides exchanged views on China-Sri Lanka relations as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
文摘Dengue fever presents a significant and persistent public health challenge in Sri Lanka.The disease,transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes,affects individuals across all age groups,with working populations and school-aged children at higher risk due to increased outdoor exposure[1].Dengue transmission in Sri Lanka is seasonal with two high transmission waves corresponding with the two monsoon rains every year.The estimated average annual incidence is 175/100000 population,and it was 407.5/100000 in 2023 with a case fatality rate of 0.07%[2].
基金Supported by The University of Kelaniya,Sri Lanka,Research Council Grant No.G23.
文摘BACKGROUND Overweight children exhibit a higher prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders compared with their normal-weight peers,yet the underlying reasons remain unclear.Gastrointestinal motility,a key pathophysiological factor in functional gastrointestinal disorders,may be influenced by body mass index(BMI).AIM To evaluate the impact of BMI on gastric motility parameters in children with functional abdominal pain disorders(FAPDs).METHODS We assessed gastric motility in 176 children with FAPDs(61.4%females,mean age 7.94 years,SD 1.96 years)and 63 healthy controls(57.1%females,mean age 9.17 years,SD 1.90 years)at the Gastroenterology Research Laboratory,University of Kelaniya,Sri Lanka.FAPDs were diagnosed and subtyped using the Rome IV criteria:Functional abdominal pain 97 patients;irritable bowel syndrome 39 patients,functional dyspepsia(FD)25 patients;and abdominal migraine 15 patients.Gastric motility was measured using a validated ultrasound method.Weight and height were measured using sensitive standard scales.RESULTS The BMIs of children with FAPDs and controls were 15.04 and 15.46 kg/m^(2),respectively(P=0.33).Fasting antral area(FAA)and antral area at 1 min(AA1)and 15 min(AA15)were significantly greater in patients with FAPD with a higher BMI(2.71 cm^(2),12.57 cm^(2),and 7.19 cm^(2),respectively)compared with those with a lower BMI(2.12 cm^(2),10.68 cm^(2),and 6.13 cm^(2),respectively)(P<0.01).BMI positively correlated with FAA and AA15(r=0.18 and r=0.19,respectively)(P<0.01)in those with FAPDs.In controls,only AA1 was greater in the higher BMI group(12.51 cm^(2)vs 9.93 cm^(2))and had a positive correlation(r=0.33)(P≤0.01).Subgroup analysis revealed that in patients with FD,BMI negatively correlated with gastric emptying rate(GER)(r=-0.59)and antral motility index(MI)(r=-0.49),while in functional abdominal pain,MI positively correlated(r=0.25)with BMI(P≤0.01).CONCLUSION In children with FAPDs,higher BMI was associated with increased gastric antral distention during fasting and postprandial periods(as indicated by FAA,AA1,and AA15)but not with contractility and transit(MI,GER).However,in the FD subgroup,high BMI correlated with reduced GER and MI.This indicates the possible role of BMI in gastric hypomotility and the pathophysiology of FD.These findings underscore the importance of lifestyle and dietary interventions aimed at optimizing BMI in the management of FAPDs,particularly FD.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(42475177,41877521)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFC3008505,2016YFA0602402).
文摘Comprehensively revealing the intensity of drought propagation from meteorological to hydrological drought is crucial for effective drought monitoring and management.However,existing assessments often fail to integrate multiple drought characteristics,resulting in incomplete evaluations.To address this limitation,this study introduced the drought comprehensive propagation intensity(DCPI)index,a systematic tool that quantifies propagation intensity and incorporates five drought characteristic indicators(drought frequency,total duration,maximum duration,coverage,and degree)to assess the comprehensive drought intensity in the upper Shiyang River Basin,China from 1961 to 2023.The results indicated that pre-1980s drought propagation was relatively weak(DCPI<0.964),reflecting stable hydrological homeostasis.After the 1980s,the intensity significantly increased,peaking at 5.530(rather strong drought)in the 2000s due to human-induced alterations in surface runoff and ecological changes.Spatially,the western tributaries(e.g.,the Xida River Watershed)presented stronger hydrological drought intensity,whereas the eastern tributaries(e.g.,the Huangyang,Gulang,and Dajing river watersheds)presented higher meteorological drought intensity.The DCPI values decreased from west to east,with near peer-to-peer propagation observed in the Dongda,Huangyang,and Jinta river watersheds,suggesting minimal human interference.A nonlinear relationship between meteorological and hydrological droughts was identified,with severe drought frequency and duration emerging as critical drivers of propagation intensity.Notably,trends of meteorological humidification coexist with hydrological aridification,highlighting systemic challenges for water resource management.The DCPI framework enhances the understanding of drought mechanisms by enabling a structured evaluation of drought impacts,which is essential for developing effective water resource strategies and ecological restoration efforts in arid areas.This study underscores the importance of integrating multi-dimensional drought characteristics to improve prediction accuracy and inform policy decisions.
基金the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka(RG/2016/EB/02)Uva Wellassa University(UWU/RG/2016/10)。
文摘Background:No studies have documented long-term trends in aboveground biomass(AGB)for mixed-dipterocarp forests(MDF),the dominant rain forest type in tropical wet equatorial Asia.In our study,we sought to document such trends over forty years across three sites representing lowland to lower montane elevations.Methods:To do this,we established fifty 100 m×25 m plots in 1978 across three sites sampled along an elevation gradient,identified as mature old-growth forest.We measured trees for diameter at breast height that we identified to species and tagged.We took wood samples to calculate species wood-specific gravity.We re-measured plots in 1998 and again in 2018.Results:We show standing AGB for all sites combined to be 517.52 Mg·ha^(-1)in 1978,but this declined by 17%over 40 years to 430.11 Mg·ha^(-1).No differences exist among sites in AGB primarily because of considerable within site variation;but interactions of time with site show declines across sites were not uniform,one remained about the same.Relatively few species represented a high proportion of the AGB with the top five species comprising between 34%and 65%,depending upon site and year sampled.One species,Mesua nagassarium,represented a disproportionately large amount of AGB and decline over time,particularly at the low elevation site.Conclusions:Our results are directly relevant to estimating AGB and standing carbon sequestered in MDF.Our study is the first to demonstrate varying but overall,declining trends in amounts of AGB among forests making predictions of biomass and standing carbon in MDF difficult over wide regions.
文摘Objective:To describe the situation of measles in Sri Lanka from May to November,2023 and to define the role of virology laboratory towards case confirmation and epidemiological and genetic characterization of the outbreak.Methods:This retrospective study analyzed all samples tested for measles from 1st of May to 30th of November,2023 at National Measles Rubella Laboratory,Sri Lanka.According to the World Health Organization(WHO)algorithm,serum and oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal swabs were tested with WHO recommended kits for anti-measles IgM and measles virus specific RNA,respectively.Selected RNA positive samples were sequenced at reference laboratory,India.Analysis of sequencing data and construction of phylogenetic tree were carried out at National Measles Rubella Laboratory.Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results:Of the total 1132 serum samples and 497 oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal swabs from 1326 patients,657(49.5%)patients were confirmed as measles by anti-measles IgM,measles virus specific RNA or both.Males(55.6%,n=365)and the age group from>20 to≤30 years(33.0%,n=217)predominated positive patients.All provinces reported measles positive cases.All samples sequenced(100%,n=42)were genotype D8 with 95.2%(n=40)bearing Victoria.Australia origin.Conclusions:We described resurgence of measles in an eliminated country,confirming the genotype to be D8,one of the two genotypes currently circulating globally.Further,the study strongly convinced the importance of a strengthened virological surveillance system in an eliminated country,despite its eliminated status.
