Browsing by Author "Silva, M."

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Attitudinal and behavioural changes in Coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil consumption with the occurrence of Aflatoxin contamination in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2022) Sandupama, M. W. P.; Munasinghe, H. M. D. H.; Silva, M.
In the recent past, there was a serious controversy within the Sri Lankan community since certain imported coconut oil brands were detected unsafe for consumption as they exceeded the permissive aflatoxin levels. The present study investigates the noticeable changes in consumption patterns and behaviours as well as the degree of awareness of households on basic information regarding aflatoxin contamination. The survey study was conducted with the participation of 521 households representing Western and Southern provinces. A simple random sampling method was used as the sample design. Data were gathered using a self-administered questionnaire which was distributed through different media. Collected data were analyzed using the social science statistical program IBM SPSS 25, along with Microsoft Excel with Data Analysis Add-in. The results showed that 91.2% of respondents are aware of aflatoxin as a potential hazard, while only 42.8% were concerned about different aspects of aflatoxin contamination, up to a considerable level. Out of the coconut oil consumers, 12.6% did not have a proper idea about the reasons for the aflatoxin contamination. A few participants (1.6%) stated that aflatoxin has no adverse effect on human health, while the majority (91.6%) believed the main effect is the carcinogenic effect. Many agreed that buying a local reputed oil brand (54.6%) and preparing your own at household levels (66.8%) are the best control measures that can be taken at household levels. Although 93.3% of respondents showed a positive interest in learning more about this food safety concern, there is no significant association (p > 0.05) between the highest education level of the consumers and the awareness of aflatoxin contamination as per the cross-tabulation and Chi-square test. According to the Paired sample T-test, the purchasing places, factors affecting purchasing decisions, and the buying frequency have changed significantly (p < 0.05) based on the different perceptions regardless of educational level. But most of the consumers did not shift to an alternative oil instead of coconut oil, while 22% have started using different oils. The significant factor considered at the purchasing point was changed from brand to standards and specifications, and the concern for the nutritional attributes has also increased after the incident. There is no correlation between the factors that affected the purchasing decisions before and after the issue (p > 0.05). The study concluded that the majority of coconut oil consumers have a satisfactory awareness of the potential hazard of aflatoxin, and the consumption patterns and purchasing decisions have deviated significantly after the incident. The trends and habits rather than knowledge and greater awareness on the matter are seemed to be accountable for these behavioural changes. Therefore, the relevant authorities should induce consumer education campaigns to enhance the awareness of consumers on these food safety issues, which will lead them to assure health safety and confidence in coconut oil products. Moreover, quality and safety analyses of coconut oil manufactured on small, medium, and large scales will be conducted to gain in-depth knowledge as future projects align.
Randomized placebo-controlled trial of the efficacy of mebendazole polymorphs in the treatment of hookworm infections
(American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2013) Gunawardena, N.K.; Kumarendran, B.; Manamperi, N.H.; Senarathna, B.P.; Silva, M.; Pathmeswaran, A.; de Silva, N.R.
Mebendazole has three polymorphic forms, identified as A, B and C. It has been suggested that unlike polymorph C, A is ineffective in the treatment of hookworm and whipworm infections. A randomized doubleblind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out to compare the efficacy of single dose 500 mg tablets of pure mebendazole Polymorph C with those containing a 1:1 mixture of Polymorphs A and C, for the treatment of hookworm infections. All eligible individuals living in 219 households were recruited after obtaining written, informed consent. A single fecal sample was obtained and examined the same day, using the Kato-Katz technique for intestinal nematode infections. Those who were found infected with hookworms were randomized to one of three treatment arms and requested to provide a second faecal sample 10 - 14 days after treatment. This was examined in the same manner as the first. A total of 892 individuals were recruited; 601 provided fecal samples; 214 were found positive for hookworm; 70, 74 and 70 individuals were randomized to treatment arms A (mixture of polymorphs A and C), B (pure polymorph C) and C (placebo) respectively. Follow-up samples were provided by 53, 48 and 49 persons respectively in each treatment arm. The cure rates in the three treatment arms were 28.3%, 18.8% and 16.3% respectively; they were not significantly different from one another. Comparison of fecal egg count reductions (FECR) in the 3 treatment arms (86.1%, 84.5% and -6.6% in Arms A, B and C respectively) showed that both mebendazole formulations performed significantly better than placebo, but there was no statistically significant difference between FECR with the two drug formulations. It is concluded that a single 500mg dose of mebendazole, either as Polymorph C alone, or as a mixture of Polymorphs A and C, has little efficacy in curing hookworm infections. However, both formulations were significantly better than placebo in reducing the intensity of infection, with no statistically significant difference between the two formulations.
Randomized placebo-controlled trial of the efficacy of mebendazole polymorphs in the treatment of hookworm infections
(Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists, 2013) Gunawardena, N.K.; Kumarendran, B.; Manamperi, N.H.; Senarathna, B.P.; Silva, M.; Pathmeswaran, A.; de Silva, N.R.
INTRODUCTION: Mebendazole has three polymorphic forms, identified as A, B and C. Animal studies and one previous study in humans have suggested that unlike polymorph C, polymorph A is ineffective in the treatment of hookworm and whipworm infections. OBJECTIVES: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out to compare the efficacy of single dose 500 mg tablets of pure mebendazole polymorph C with those containing a 1:1 mixture of polymorphs Aand C, for the treatment of hookworm infections. . DESIGN, SETTING AND METHODS: All eligible individuals living in 219 households in 8 estate divisions in Ratnapura District known to have a high prevalence of hookworm, were recruited after obtaining written, informed consent. A single faecal sample was obtained and examined the same day, using the Kato-Katz technique for quantification of intestinal nematode infections. Those who were found infected with hook¬worms were randomized to one of three treatment arms and requested to provide a second faecal sample 10-14 days after treatment. This was examined in the same manner as the first. RESULTS: A total of 892 individuals were recruited; 601 provided faecal samples; 214 were found positive for hookworm infection; 70, 74 and 70 individuals were randomized to treatment arms A (mixture of polymorphs A and C), B (pure polymorph C) and C (placebo) respectively. Follow-up faeca! samples were provided by 53,48 and 49 persons respectively in each treatment arm. The cure rates in the three treatment arms were 28.3%, 18.8% and 16.3% respectively; they were not significantly different from one another. Comparison of faecal egg count reductions (FECR) in the 3 treatment arms (86.1%, 84.5% and -6.6% in arms A, B and C respectively) showed that both mebendazole formulations performed significantly better than placebo, but there was no statistically significant difference between FECR with the two drug formulations. CONCLUSIONS: A single SOOmg dose of mebendazole, either as Polymorph C alone, or as a mixture of Polymorphs A and C, has little efficacy in curing hookworm infections. However, both formulations are significantly better than placebo in reducing the intensity of infection, with no statistically significant difference between the two formulations.