Liver Toxicity of Raw and Processed Cycas circinalis (Madu) Seed Flour: An Animal Study

Various parts of Cycas circinalis (Sinhala: Madu) are used as food or in food preparation in many countries. Flour made from mature dried seeds is used in Sri Lanka to prepare starchy staples such as pittu and roti. However, the seeds are reported to contain hepato-toxins known as cycasins. This study was conducted to observe the liver toxicity, if any, of foods made incorporating cycas seed flour as data on effects of processing on liver toxicity are not available. The study was conducted with pittu and roti made by incorporating cycas seed flour obtained from soaked and dried seeds. Toxicity of pittu, roti and raw flour were observed by assessing the behavior of animals, liver enzymes and histopathological changes in liver sections of the mice fed diets made by incorporating pittu, roti and raw flour for 28 days. Significant elevations in liver enzymes (p<0.05) (reference AST 195 ± 38, ALT 21.2 ± 1.1 IU/L, raw flour AST 345 ± 71, ALT 50.8 ± 3.1 IU/L; pittu AST 406 ± 68, ALT 39.2 ± 1.1 IU/L; roti AST 333 ± 31, ALT 28.8 ± 1.5 IU/L) were observed in rats fed cycas flour incorporated diets. Fatty inclusions, few scattered lymphocytes and mild perpendicular inflammations were observed in the liver sections of all test groups. However, the elevation of liver enzymes and histopathological changes were significantly low (p<0.05) in mice fed with roti incorporated diet when compared to other test groups. Hence, the present study suggests that dry heat processing is detoxifying hepato-toxins in seeds to a certain extent. However, the present study confirms that continuous feeding of raw or processed cycas flour containing food could lead to liver parenchymal cell damage.KEYWORDS: Cycas circinalis, liver toxicity, cycasins, roti, pitt

2-Diazo-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethanone: A Versatile Photochemical and Synthetic Reagent

α-Diazo arylketones are well-known substrates for Wolff rearrangement to phenylacetic acids through a ketene intermediate by either thermal or photochemical activation. Likewise, α-substituted p-hydroxyphenacyl (pHP) esters are substrates for photo-Favorskii rerrangements to phenylacetic acids by a different pathway that purportedly involves a cyclopropanone intermediate. In this paper, we show that the photolysis of a series of α-diazo-p-hydroxyacetophenones and p-hydroxyphenacyl (pHP) α-esters both generate the identical rearranged phenylacetates as major products. Since α-diazo-p-hydroxyacetophenone (1a, pHP N2) contains all the necessary functionalities for either Wolff or Favorskii rearrangement, we were prompted to probe this intriguing mechanistic dichotomy under conditions favorable to the photo-Favorskii reangement, i.e., photolysis in hydroxylic media. An investigation of the mechanism for conversion of 1a to p-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid (4a) using time-resolved infrared (TRIR) spectroscopy clearly demonstrates the formation of a ketene intermediate that is subsequently trapped by solvent or nucleophiles. The photoreaction of 1a is quenched by oxygen and sensitized by triplet sensitizers and the quantum yields for 1a–c range from 0.19 to a robust 0.25. The lifetime of the triplet, determined by Stern-Volmer quenching, is 15 ns with a rate for appearance of 4a of k = 7,1 × 106 s−1 in aq. acetonitrile (1:1 v:v). These studies establish that the primary rearrangement pathway for 1a involves ketene formation in accordance with the photo-Wolff rearrangement. Furthermore we have also demonstrated the synthetic utility of 1a as an esterification and etherification reagent with a variety of substituted α-diazo-p-hydroxyacetophenones, using them as synthons for efficiently coupling it to acids and phenols to produce pHP protect substrates

Investigation of Daily Macronutrient intakes by Sri Lankan Managerial Level Employees working in the Private Sector

With changes of lifestyles and social values in the food culture, many individuals working as managerial level employees in the as private sector are seemingly selecting more improper daily meal combinations. This study was designed to determine whether this occurrence can have a severe impact to imbalance the daily nutrient intakes by the individuals in the mentioned social segment, which increase the tendency of having nutrition related chronic diseases. In a hierarchy range from junior executives to CEOs of private sector organizations, 800 individuals were selected by disproportionate stratified random sampling. Selected individuals are interviewed using a structured questionnaire to assess their daily food combinations and their consumed portion sizes. Frequently consumed meal combinations were then analyzed for their macronutrient composition, to compare with world Health organizations’ (WHO) Reference Dietary Intake (RDI) levels of nutrients. The results reveal of significantly (p<0.05) higher daily fat (45.3 ±1.7 g/day) and protein (65.2 ±1.4 g/day) intakes than the WHO recommendation levels and significantly (p<0.05) lower in dietary fibre (22.3 ±1.1 g/day) contents by selected participants. Carbohydrate intake (133.1 ±2.2 g/day) was higher than reference levels but was not significant (p>0.05). This indicates of a considerable risk for many individuals in the concerned social segment, of having non-communicable diseases, if observed dietary patterns are continued

Protein quality of foods made incorporating Cycas circinalis seed flour

Among the cycad species Cycas circinalis and Cycas zeylanica are native to Sri Lanka. Foods such as pittu and roti made by incorporating Cycas circinalis seed flour are consumed by Sri Lankans living in areas where the plant grows. Although previously reported data indicate that the content of protein in C. circinalis seeds is comparable to that of wheat flour, no data is available on the quality of cycad seed proteins. The present study was aimed at evaluating the quality of proteins in C. circinalis seed flour, pittu and roti made by incorporating cycas seed flour.The moisture, insoluble (IDF) and soluble dietary fibres (SDF), crude protein and digestible carbohydrate contents were measured by AOAC official methods (1984), method of Asp et al, Lowry’s method/ Folin Ceocalteau method and Holm’s method respectively. Quality of proteins was estimated by AOAC Official method 960.48, using an animal bioassay.Digestible carbohydrate content was highest in soaked seed flour (50.0±2.03). Among the cycad foods, highest protein content (10.3±0.01) and total dietary fibre content (7.7) were in roti and this could be due to the addition of wheat flour to roti instead of rice flour in pittu. Highest weight gain was observed in reference group fed with casein containing diet. The significantly high weight gain in the seed flour fed group compared to roti and pittu fed groups may be due to the high feed intake. No significant weight gain difference was observed between roti and pittu fed groups. Protein quality of C. circinalis seeds was comparable with that of common maize but all protein quality parameters [Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), Food Efficiency Ratio (FER), Net Protein Retention (NPR) and Protein Retention Efficiency (PRE)] were significantly low compared to the reference protein diet. Although not significant, NPR and PRE values in roti (1.4±0.6 and 8.5±3.7) were higher than test food made with pittu or raw seed flour.Key words: protein quality, Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), Food Efficiency Ratio (FER), Net Protein Retention (NPR) and Protein Retention Efficiency (PRE

Corporate Water Stewardship through Water Neutrality: A Case Study on the First Waterneutral® Apparel Factory in Asia

‘Water Neutrality’ is a novel concept first coined by the Water Footprint Network. ‘Water Neutral’ means that one reduces the water footprint of an activity as much as reasonably possible and offsets the negative externalities of the remaining water footprint. This does not indicate water usage being reduced to zero, but rather demonstrates that the negative economic, social and environmental externalities are reduced as much as possible, and that the remaining impacts are fully compensated. Compensation may be in the form of monetary contributions toward a more sustainable and equitable use of water within the hydrological system where the adverse impacts of the remaining “water footprint” are distributed. Linea Aqua, a subsidiary of the MAS holding, and one of the leading swimwear manufacturers in Asia, has taken a leading role in water stewardship to become Asia’s First Water Neutral® Apparel Factory. Linea Aqua’s water foot print was calculated annually (2013-2016) according to the methodologies developed by Water Footprint Network to quantify the impact to the water cycle of the surrounding ecosystem. Mitigation measures were introduced to reduce the identified impacts. According to the Water Footprint assessments, the total factory’s water intake has reduced by 5.9%. Daily water consumption per employee and per piece has reduced by 11.4% and 40.3% respectively when compared with the 2013 baseline. The factory has reduced the waste water discharge by 57%. Treated waste water reuse for flushing and gardening has increased by 39.8% when compared with the year 2014. Total 28% reduction of water intake was estimated with the installation of a Reverse Osmosis plant to recover waste water to reuse in cooling towers in the factory. Considering all the water savings, the total water recovery is 43.98% of the total water consumption. The balance saving of 32,990.12 m3/year has been achieved through the reasonable investment on pre- identified water replenishing projects on conservation or restoration of water quantity or quality within and outside of the affected water catchment. The overall reasonable investment for the replenish benefits as a function of cost share is Rs.14.00 million (2014- 2016).Keywords: Water Neutral, Water Footprint, Water stewardshi

Product Carbon Footprint of Wooden Products in Sri Lanka Special Reference to a Life Cycle of an Arm Chair

Forest and forest products have a vital role in mitigation of the global climate change. Themain objective of this study was to assess the carbon emissions in the manufacturing of woodproducts taking an example of the production of an arm chair using life cycle assessmentapproach (LCA) which provides a methodological framework for evaluating environmentalperformance over the life cycle of a product, process, or an activity.The product Carbon Footprint was assessed for a typical wooden arm chair manufactured inan average sawmill. Assessment boundary was cradle to grave. The system boundaryencompasses each product manufacturing process including material (logs, wood, resin,fuels) transport to each production facility. Transportation distances were reported in surveysand used to calculate product transported per kilogram–kilometers (kg-km). The embedded Cflux in harvested timber, GHG emissions and the flow of embedded CO2 stock during theprocessing were analysed. The cumulative system boundary includes all upstream flows ofenergy, fuel, and raw material for production. Energy consumed during transportationbetween the harvesting life-cycle stage and manufacturing accounts for actual distancesreported from each production region.The functional unit for the product was referenced to 1 m3 of the product. All input andoutput data within the cumulative system boundary were allocated to the functional unit ofproduct and co-products in accordance with International Organisation for Standardisation.The data represent average regional data from sample studies. Umberto for Carbon Softwarewas used for the analysis. The total life cycle consists of 08 stages, raw material and timberharvesting, timber depot operations, log conversions, wood preservation, timber seasoning,manufacturing, use phase, end of use/ final disposal.Based on the calculations, percentages of GHG emissions in each stage of life cycle were54% for raw material and timber harvesting, 4% for timber depot operations, 11% for logconversions, 5% wood preservation, 1% for timber seasoning, 12% for manufacturing and13% for use phase and end of use/final disposal. From the above results it is apparent that ascarbon emissions are greatest at the timber harvesting stage, measures should be taken tointroduce more efficient and effective machinery and methodologies to reduce the emissions.Keywords: Product carbon footprint, Wood products, Life cycle analysis, Climate chang

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceived Barriers Towards Evidence-based Practice Among Government Sector Physiotherapists in Sri Lanka

Introduction: Implementing evidence-based practice (EBP) is beneficial for the patients as they can receive the best available treatment while improving the reputation of the profession. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers towards EBP among physiotherapists serving in Sri Lankan government hospitals. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a convenient sampling method among 264 physiotherapists in thirty-nine government hospitals in Sri Lanka between 18th November 2019 and 23rd December 2019. A pre-tested, validated, and self-administered questionnaire with twenty-six items was categorized into four main parts. These included demographic data of the participants (seven items), their knowledge (six items), attitudes (five items), and perceived barriers towards EBP (eight items). The responses under attitudes and knowledge sections were scored using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0-4, with higher scores indicating favourable results. Based on the sum of marks obtained for the attitude part, subjects were categorized as; negative (0-7), neutral (8-15), and positive (16-24) attitudes. Based on the sum of the marks obtained for the knowledge part, subjects were categorized as; poor (0-6), average (7-13), and good (14-20) knowledge. Data analysis was done using the statistical software Minitab version 2018. Results: Among the participants, 1.5% had a poor level of knowledge, 22.7% had an average level of knowledge, and 75.8% had good knowledge regarding EBP. Attitudes toward EBP were positive among 87.9% of participants while 11.7% had neutral attitudes, and 0.4% had negative attitudes. The common perceived barriers to practice EBP were, lack of time, research skills, information resources, and interest towards EBP. Conclusion: A selected sample of government physiotherapists in Sri Lanka had positive attitudes and good knowledge towards EBP and are inclined to incorporate evidence into their clinical practice. Keywords: Evidence-based practice, Physiotherapists, Knowledge, Attitudes, Barriers, Implementatio

A western diet increases serotonin availability in rat small intestine

Diet-induced obesity is associated with changes in gastrointestinal function and induction of a mild inflammatory state. Serotonin (5-HT) containing enterochromaffin (EC) cells within the intestine respond to nutrients and are altered by inflammation. Thus, our aim was to characterize the uptake and release of 5-HT from EC cells of the rat ileum in a physiologically relevant model of diet-induced obesity. In chow-fed (CF) and Western diet-fed (WD) rats electrochemical methods were used to measure compression evoked (peak) and steady state (SS) 5-HT levels with fluoxetine used to block the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT). The levels ofmRNAfor tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) and SERT were determined by quantitative PCR, while EC cell numbers were determined immunohistochemically. In WD rats, the levels of 5-HT were significantly increased (SS: 19.2±3.7 ±M; peak: 73.5±14.1 ±M) compared with CF rats (SS: 12.3±1.8 ±M; peak: 32.2±7.2 ±M), while SERTdependent uptake of 5-HT was reduced (peak WD: 108% of control versus peak CF: 212% control). In WD rats, there was a significant increase in TPH1 mRNA, a decrease in SERT mRNA and protein, and an increase in EC cells. In conclusion, our data show that foods typical of a Western diet are associated with an increased 5-HT availability in the rat ileum. Increased 5-HT availability is driven by the up-regulation of 5-HT synthesis genes, decreased re-uptake of 5-HT, and increased numbers and/or 5-HT content of EC cells which are likely to cause altered intestinal motility and sensation in vivo. Copyright © 2010 The Endocrine Society. All rights reserved

A pilot study of variability in the pattern of antibacterial medicines dispensed during different timings of a month in private and public sector pharmacies

Objectives: (i) To determine the inter-timing variation in the pattern of antibacterial medicines (ABM) dispensed during a month, and (ii) to examine the correlation between the amount of ABM dispensed in each timing and the amount of total ABM dispensed during the entire month in Private and Public Sector Pharmacies in Colombo District. Methods: Data on 30 prescriptions containing an oral ABM for systemic use dispensed in randomly selected one public hospital out patients pharmacy, one private pharmacy, one Osusala pharmacy and one private hospital OPD pharmacy were personally collected in the beginning, middle and end of June 2012. Data on oral ABM dispensed during the entire month were obtained from the records. Quantity of ABM was converted to Defined Daily Doses (DDD).  Data were analysed separately for each of the different study setting. Results: There was no inter-timing variation in the pattern of ABM dispensed during a month in any of the sector. However, the correlation between the amount of ABM dispensed in each timing and the amount of total ABM dispensed during the entire month gave varying results indicating that the amount of ABM dispensed in a month cannot be predicted from data collected in one of the timings. Conclusion: Data collected at any time of the month could predict the pattern of ABM utilization, but not the quantity in DDD of ABM utilization in a month