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Biomedical subjects

M de Silva

Publications and source records attributed to M de Silva.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Fate of embryonic stem cells transplanted into the deafened mammalian cochlea.

Spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs), the primary afferent neurons of the cochlea, degenerate following a sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) due to lack of trophic support normally received from hair cells. Cell transplantation is emerging as a potential strategy for inner ear rehabilitation, as injected cells may be able to replace damaged SGNs in the deafened cochlea. An increase in the number of surviving SGNs may result in improved efficacy of cochlear implants (CIs). We examined the survival of partially differentiated mouse embryonic stem cells (MESCs), following xenograft transplantation into the deafened guinea pig cochlea (n=15). Cells were delivered directly into the left scala tympani via microinjection through the round window. Small numbers of MESCs were detected in the scala tympani for up to 4 weeks following transplantation and a proportion of these cells retained expression of neurofilament protein 68 kDa in vivo. While this delivery method requires refinement for effective long-term replacement of damaged SGNs, small numbers of MESCs were capable of survival in the deafened mammalian cochlea for up to 4 weeks, without causing an inflammatory tissue response.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Severe haemolytic disease of the newborn due to anti-Js(b).

A case of anti-Js(b) in pregnancy was associated with unexpectedly severe haemolytic disease of the newborn, requiring urgent exchange transfusion. Clinical signs of fetal distress were evident at 35 weeks of gestation in a sixth pregnancy. A Js(b+) baby from a previous pregnancy had been unaffected. This case report illustrates the difficulties of predicting severity on the basis of anti-Js(b) titre, and highlights issues relating to the problems of using reconstituted frozen red cells from the rare red cell bank for exchange transfusion.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Pattern of accidents and injuries involving three-wheelers.

OBJECTIVE: To study the pattern of injuries and some causative factors of three-wheeler related accidents. DESIGN: Prospective descriptive study. SETTING: Accident unit, Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila. METHODS: One hundred patients admitted to Colombo South Teaching Hospital with three-wheeler related accidents were interviewed, examined within 24 hours of admission and followed up by using a standard questionnaire. Detailed descriptions of the accident and the types of injuries were recorded. RESULTS: 54 accidents took place during daytime 07.00 h to 19.00 h) and the passengers were the commonest victims (40%). Soft tissue injury was the commonest injury observed (75%). The second commonest type of injury was long bone fractures (21%). Toppling due to a sudden turn of the vehicle accounted for 30% of accidents. Of 28 drivers in the study group, 25 admitted breaking the handle-lock to increase the vehicle's turning angle. Toppling due to a sudden turn was identified as the cause of the accident in all those who had interfered with the handle-lock. At the time of the accident, 89% of the drivers and 28.1% of pedestrians were under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol was related to 67.4% of the night accidents. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol consumption was recognised as a major contributory factor, in particular for night accidents. A strong association was observed between mechanical alteration of the vehicle's handle-lock and the risk of accident. Introduction of legislation to prohibit handle-lock alteration and strict implementation of the law regarding driving under the influence of alcohol would help to reduce three-wheeler related accidents.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2000

Effects of hormonal contraceptives on the periodontium, in a population of rural Sri-Lankan women.

AIMS: Women using hormonal contraceptives can be considered to be a 'risk group' for periodontal disease, due to prolonged, sustained serum levels of oestrogens and progesterone. This investigation aims to study the effects of hormonal contraceptives on periodontal tissues. METHODS: 32 women using hormonal contraceptives for less than 2 years, 17 for 2-4 years and a matched control group of 39 non-users were selected for the study. They were clinically examined for plaque levels (plaque index: PLI), gingival condition (gingival index: GI) and loss of periodontal attachment (LA). RESULTS: Contraceptive users of less than 2 years and 2-4 years duration (n=32, n= 17 respectively) and non-users (n=39) had similar oral hygiene levels; yet the contraceptive users had a significantly higher level of gingival inflammation, compared to the non-users (p<0.001; 1-way ANOVA). Usage of hormonal contraceptives for 2-4 years (n= 17) caused a significantly higher LA (p<0.001) compared to that of controls (n=39). CONCLUSIONS: Usage of contraceptive preparations containing oestrogen and progesterone resulted in hormonal changes similar to those seen in pregnancy, associated with increased prevalence of gingivitis. There was significantly higher LA with prolonged usage of hormonal contraceptives, compared with controls.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Periodontal disease status during pregnancy and 3 months post-partum, in a rural population of Sri-Lankan women.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this investigation was to study the effects of pregnancy on the periodontium, in a rural population of Sri-Lankan women. METHODS: The study group consisted of 47 pregnant women and 47 non-pregnant women who served as matched controls. All subjects were examined for plaque (plaque index: PLI), gingival condition (gingival index: GI) and loss of periodontal attachment (LA) levels, 4 x during the study, at 3-monthly intervals. RESULTS: Despite similar scores for plaque levels in both pregnant and non-pregnant women, the GI of pregnant women was significantly increased, during the 1st and 2nd trimesters compared to the controls (p<0.01, 2-way ANOVA). During the 3rd trimester, GI was further increased (p<0.001), but dropped at 3 months post-partum. Values for LA did not show significant differences from that of controls, during any of the stages of pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that pregnancy had an effect only on the gingivae and not on periodontal attachment levels. The effects of oestrogen and progesterone could give rise to a more florid response to the irritant effects of plaque, resulting in severe gingivitis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with functional dyspepsia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with functional dyspepsia. DESIGN: Prospective descriptive study. SETTING: Surgical unit, Base Hospital, Panadura. PATIENTS: 67 patients with persistent symptoms suggestive of functional dyspepsia but no clinical, endoscopic or ultrasonographic evidence of peptic, biliary, pancreatic or malignant disease. METHODS: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and two antral mucosal biopsies were performed in all patients and the rapid urease test (CLO test) was done to detect H pylori status. All patients gave informed consent. RESULTS: Of the 67 patients (32 males) with a mean age of 45 years (35 to 70 years), only 2 patients (2.9%) were found to be positive for H pylori infection. CONCLUSION: Incidence of H pylori infection was found to be very low in patients with functional dyspepsia.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Severe cervical dysplasia and nasal cartilage calcification following prenatal warfarin exposure.

We present an infant who was exposed to warfarin throughout pregnancy and has warfarin embryopathy. When the child was examined radiologically at 20 months areas of calcification were visible in the septal and alar cartilages of the small external part of the nose. The location of this ectopic calcification is consistent with that seen in an animal model of the warfarin embryopathy. It supports the hypothesis that warfarin interferes with the prenatal growth of the cartilaginous nasal septum by inhibiting the normal formation of a vitamin K-dependent protein that prevents calcification of cartilage. The child also had severe abnormalities of the cervical vertebrae and secondary damage to the spinal cord. Cervical vertebral anomalies are a relatively common finding in the warfarin embryopathy and in the related Binder syndrome.

Adolescent↗