ABSTRACT
Lactose tolerance tests (LTT) in 200 normal adult Ceylonese have shown that 145 (72.5%) had a flat LTT, indicating a population prevalence of lactase deficiency of 66.2 to 78.8%. Jejunal lactase estimations in a smaller sample (41) confirmed this. Twelve of 55 subjects (21.8%) with a normal LTT had intestinal symptoms after lactose and intestinal lactase was low in most of them. It is suggested that little lactase is required to elevate the blood sugar but that more may be required to prevent diarrhea. On the other hand, 65.5% had no symptoms despite a flat LTT, and the possible reasons for this are considered.
Subject(s)
Intestines/enzymology , Lactose Intolerance/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Female , Glucose , Humans , Lactose , Male , Middle Aged , Sri Lanka , Sucrose , XyloseABSTRACT
Thambipillai, Shanthi, and Senewiratne, B.: A simple finger-prick method of screening for abnormal hemoglobins; Am J Clin Pathol 63: 836-840, 1975. Two simple methods of hemoglobin electrophoresis of samples obtained by finger prick are described. The methods do not involve venipuncutre, centrifugation, or the preparation of a hemolysate, and can be carried out on starch gel or cellulose acetate membranes. The specimen can be collected even by non-medical personnel and sent by post to the laboratory. Alternatively, electrophoresis can be carried out in the field and the results obtained within 20 minutes. Both methods are suitable for population screening and pediatric studies. The method will detect structurally abnormal hemoglobins only.
Subject(s)
Blood Protein Electrophoresis , Hemoglobinometry/methods , Hemoglobins, Abnormal/analysis , Mass Screening , Blood Specimen Collection , Electrophoresis, Cellulose Acetate , Electrophoresis, Disc , Electrophoresis, Starch Gel , Fingers , Hemoglobinopathies/epidemiology , HumansSubject(s)
Agriculture , Developing Countries , Poisoning/epidemiology , Accidents, Occupational , Acetates/poisoning , Adolescent , Adult , Age Factors , Barbiturates/poisoning , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Insecticides/poisoning , Male , Middle Aged , Plant Poisoning/epidemiology , Sex Factors , Sri Lanka , SuicideSubject(s)
Fluorosis, Dental/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Child , DMF Index , Demography , Dental Caries/complications , Dental Caries/epidemiology , Electrolytes/analysis , Female , Fluorides/analysis , Fluorosis, Dental/complications , Fluorosis, Dental/etiology , Humans , Male , Oral Hygiene , Oryza/analysis , Sodium Chloride/analysis , Sri Lanka , Tea/analysis , Water/analysis , Water SupplyABSTRACT
The random sampling of well water for fluoride assumes that all the wells in an area are equally accessible and that there are no marked local variations in the concentration of fluoride. Both these assumptions were found to be incorrect. Another sampling method is described in which the teeth of schoolchildren are examined for evidence of dental fluorosis and the water drunk by those with different grades of dental mottling is collected for analysis. This method is more reliable than that of random sampling in that wells with a high concentration of fluoride are unlikely to be missed.
