Heavy metal accumulation in two synanthropic avian species in Sri Lanka.

We assessed the levels of Pb, Cd, and Mn in contour feathers of the feral pigeon (Columba livia) and house crow (Corvus splendens) obtained from five urban/suburban locations across Sri Lanka, using the AAS following wet digestion. Our key objectives were to compare accumulation levels in the two avian species with different foraging habits and living in common locations, and to establish baseline information on the presence of these metals in multiple locations in Sri Lanka with varying levels of urbanization. Owing to reservations that have been expressed by previous workers regarding the use of feathers for assessing heavy metal pollution, we first tested the efficacy of contour feathers by using our data for comparing the coefficients of variation in metal levels within and between locations. This showed that in over 95% of the cases, variations within locations were lower than between locations, indicating that freshly shed contour feathers that were used in the present study were reliable indicators of the status of bioaccumulation of the heavy metals in the environment. In interspecific comparisons, other than in the two suburban locations, Pb was present at much higher levels in the house crow than in the feral pigeon, whereas accumulation patterns with respect to Cd and Mn were inconsistent, suggesting that granivores may not, in all situations, accumulate lower levels than scavengers in the same environment. Owing to such interspecific variations in the patterns of accumulation of different heavy metals, the selection of a single species for assessing levels of pollution from heavy metals may not be prudent. Pb and Cd levels in both species were strongly and positively associated with human population density. The levels of Pb and Cd were highest in Colombo (commercial capital). In Colombo and Kalutara, the recorded levels in the house crow exceeded the thresholds that have the potential to inflict adverse impacts on avian species.

Quality of Medicine Information in Product Information Leaflets: A Retrospective Audit.

BACKGROUND: Nonstandard product information leaflets (PIs) may lead to medication errors. We assessed the completeness, and compatibility of, essential information against reference sources in selected PIs of medicines used in Sri Lanka. METHODS: Hundred PIs each were used to assess completeness and compatibility of information, respectively. Availability of essential information was checked against drug regulations of the country. Clinical facts were matched against the British National Formulary and/or Australian Medicines Handbook for compatibility. PIs were categorized as "compatible" if all facts stated under each clinical information type were mentioned in at least one of the references; "partially compatible" if only some facts mentioned under each clinical information type were available in at least one of the references; and "totally incompatible" if none of the facts stated in each clinical information type were mentioned in both references. RESULTS: Of the 100 PIs, 28% did not include at least one of the essential information required by the regulations. Pharmacokinetic data, duration of treatment, overdose, and special dosage information were frequently missing. Nine types of clinical information in PIs matched with reference sources resulted in 900 cross-matches. Among the cross-matches, 80 (8.9%) partial compatibilities and 8 (0.9%) total incompatibilities were encountered. Nearly half (48%) of the PIs had at least one incompatibility. CONCLUSION: Some PIs lacked important medicines information and were incompatible with known references. PIs need to be carefully prepared by medicine manufacturers and meticulously reviewed by regulatory authorities for accuracy and completeness.

Clinical correlations of alpha2,6-sialyltransferase expression in colorectal cancer patients.

We have previously demonstrated a link between alpha2,6-Sialyltransferase (alpha2,6-ST; E.C. 2.4.99.1) expression and differentiation of colon tumors. So far, information is not available relative to the expression of alpha2,6-ST in tumors and the survival of patients with colorectal cancer. We have examined the expression of alpha2,6-ST in a variety of colorectal adenocarcinomas (n = 46) at different stages of differentiation (G1 to G3) by immunoperoxidase assay using monoclonal antibody (MAb) 6B9. Clinical outcome of the patients in a 5-year follow-up study has been correlated with the expression of alpha2,6-ST in tumors surgically removed from the same patients. No significant difference in the alpha2,6-ST expression was noted when age, sex, and tumor locations (colon, rectum) were included as parameters. However, 52% of the moderate (G2) and well-differentiated (G1) adenocarcinomas showed stronger alpha2,6-ST expression compared with poorly differentiated (G3) adenocarcinomas. Notably, absence to moderate levels of tumor alpha2,6-ST expression was correlated with 100% survival in patients with stage I and II tumors compared with 64% survival in patients with strong tumor alpha2,6-ST expression (p < 0.01). These studies suggest a negative correlation between the expression of alpha2,6-ST in tumors and a good clinical outcome in colorectal cancer patients.

Differential expression of alpha2,6-sialyltransferase in colon tumors recognized by a monoclonal antibody.

It has been reported that alpha2,6-sialyltransferase (alpha2,6-ST; E.C. 2.4.99.1) activity is associated with cellular differentiation. To define its role in colon carcinoma differentiation, we have generated murine monoclonal antibodies (MAb) against alpha2,6-sialyltransferase. The MAb, designated 6B9 of IgM isotype, showed strong reactivity with the purified and crude alpha2,6-ST by ELISA and dot blot assays. Western blotting with MAb 6B9 identified purified alpha2,6-ST of MW 47 kDa and the same MW protein from rat and human liver extracts. The MAb also reacted with two other liver proteins of approximate MW 65 and 100 kDa. Immunoperoxidase studies with formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues showed that MAb 6B9 reacts with liver tissues, the staining of hepatocytes was granular and cytoplasmic. There was a distinct pattern of zonal distribution of this enzyme in hepatocytes located particularly in the portal areas of the liver corresponding to zone 1. Normal colon (100%) and hyperplastic polyps (100%) showed very weak to no reactivity. Adenomas (100%) demonstrated moderate reactivity, while the poor (33%), moderate (100%) and well-differentiated (80%) colon adenocarcinomas showed strong reactivity. Results suggest that alpha2,6-ST is associated with the differentiation state of colon tumors.

A computer program for calculation and interpretation of pulmonary function studies.

A computer program to calculate and interpret the standard pulmonary function tests has been developed on a programmable calculator system. The program computes both predicted and measured values for static and dynamic lung volumes, airways resistance and diffusing capacity. It then checks for differences between predicted and obtained values and interprets them according to a specific, clinically useful set of diagnostic criteria. By acquisition of a reliable and easy-to-use data processing system, a pulmonary function laboratory can significantly increase the efficiency and accuracy of its day-to-day work.