Journal/Magazine Articles
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This collection contains original research articles, review articles and case reports published in local and international peer reviewed journals by the staff members of the Faculty of Medicine
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Item Apoferritin and Dps as drug delivery vehicles: Some selected examples in oncology(Elsevier Ltd, 2022) Kuruppu, A.I.; Turyanska, L.; Bradshaw, T.D.; Manickam, S.; Galhena, B.P.; Paranagama, P.; de Silva, R.Background: The ideal nanoparticle should be able to encapsulate either pharmaceutical agents or imaging probes so that it could treat or image clinical tumours by targeting the cancer site efficiently. Further, it would be an added advantage if it demonstrates: small size, built in targeting, biocompatibility and biodegradability. Ferritin, which is an endogenous self-assembling protein, stores iron and plays a role in iron homeostasis. When iron atoms are removed apoferritin (AFt) is formed which consists of a hollow shell where it can be used to load guest molecules. Due to its unique architecture, AFt has been investigated as a versatile carrier for tumour theranostic applications. DNA-binding protein from starved cells (Dps), which also belongs to the ferritin family, is a protein found only in prokaryotes. It is used to store iron and protect chromosomes from oxidative damage; because of its architecture, Dps could also be used as a delivery vehicle. Conclusions: Both these nano particles are promising in the field of oncology, especially due to their stability, solubility and biocompatibility features. Further their exterior surface can be modified for better tumour-targeting ability. More studies, are warranted to determine the immunogenicity, biodistribution, and clearance from the body. General perspective: This review discusses a few selected examples of the remarkable in vitro and in vivo studies that have been carried out in the recent past with the use of AFt and Dps in targeting and delivery of various pharmaceutical agents, natural products and imaging probes in the field of oncology.Item Randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of cognitive behaviour group therapy (CBGT) compared to a waitlist control in the treatment of university students with social anxiety disorder(Postgraduate Institute of Medicine University of Colombo, 2021) Hapangama, A.; de Silva, R.; Williams, S.S.; de Zoysa, P.T.; Wickremasinghe, R.R.; Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.L.A.; Ravindran, A.BACKGROUND: Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a common mental illness that causes significant functional impairment. Individually delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective but costly intervention with limited access, and is poorly scalable to meet the need in the population. In this context, cognitive behavioural group therapy (CBGT) is a more viable option. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of CBGT as compared to a waitlist control for university students with SAD. METHODS: A single-blind randomized controlled trial consisting of an 8-week treatment of CBGT (N=15) versus a waitlist control (N=15) was conducted in university students meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 criteria for SAD. The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale –Self Rated Sinhala version (LSAS-SR) was administered at screening, baseline, four weeks and eight weeks of the trial. Manualized and Culturally adopted CBGT was delivered in Sinhala language, to the intervention group by a licensed clinical psychologist. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 22 (SD=1.345) and baseline mean LSAS-SR score was 72.33 in the experimental arm and 69.03 in the wait list control. Repeated measures analysis revealed that the mean total score of the LSAS-SR in the CBGT arm was significantly lower (13.262; p<0.001) post-intervention compared to the waitlist group after controlling for age and gender. CONCLUSION: Culturally adapted CBGT in Sinhala for SAD is effective in ameliorating social anxiety symptoms among university students. KEYWORDS: social phobia, social anxiety disorder, cognitive behaviour group therapy, sri LankaItem Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Leibowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS-SR) sinhala version(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2020) Hapangama, A.; Kuruppuarachchi, L. A.; de Silva, R.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.; Ravindran, A.; Williams, S. S.No abstract availableItem Effect of antimicrobial agents on inflammatory cytokines in acute Leptospirosis(American Society for Microbiology, 2018) Fernando, N.; de Silva, R.; Hadunnetti, S.M.; Karunanayake, L.; de Silva, N.L.; de Silva, H.J.; Rajapakse, S.; Premawansa, S.The aim of this study was to assess the inflammatory cytokine response and possible association with antimicrobial treatment with penicillin, ceftriaxone, and doxycycline in acute leptospirosis. In the early acute stage, interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels were higher in mild cases than in severe cases (P = 0.01). IL-6 and IL-8 levels were low in patients who received >5 antimicrobial doses (P < 0.01). IL-8 levels were negatively correlated with the number of ceftriaxone doses administered (r = -0.315; P = 0.031). Further studies are needed to evaluate the possible downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines by ceftriaxone in leptospirosis.