Energy and nutrient intakes among Sri Lankan adults

Introduction The epidemic of nutrition related non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity has reached to epidemic portion in the Sri Lanka. However, to date, detailed data on food consumption in the Sri Lankan population is limited. The aim of this study is to identify energy and major nutrient intake among Sri Lankan adults. Methods A nationally-representative sample of adults was selected using a multi-stage random cluster sampling technique. Results Data from 463 participants (166 Males, 297 Females) were analyzed. Total energy intake was significantly higher in males (1913 ± 567 kcal/d) than females (1514 ± 458 kcal/d). However, there was no significant gender differences in the percentage of energy from carbohydrate (Male: 72.8 ± 6.4%, Female: 73.9 ± 6.7%), fat (Male: 19.9 ± 6.1%, Female: 18.5 ± 5.7%) and proteins (Male: 10.6 ± 2.1%, Female: 10.9 ± 5.6%). Conclusion The present study provides the first national estimates of energy and nutrient intake of the Sri Lankan adult population.

'Free' surfactant in gastric aspirates and bronchoalveolar lavage in children with and without reflux oesophagitis

Aim: Dipalmitoylphosphatidycholine (DPPC) is the characteristic and main constituent of surfactant. Adsorption of surfactant to epithelial surfaces may be important in the masking of receptors. The aims of the study were to (i) compare the quantity of free DPPC in the airways and gastric aspirates of children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) to those without and (ii) describe the association between free DPPC levels with airway cellular profile and capsaicin cough sensitivity. Methods: Children aged <14 years were defined as 'coughers' if a history of cough in association with their GORD symptoms was elicited before gastric aspirates and nonbronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were obtained during elective flexible upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. GORD was defined as histological presence of reflux oesophagitis. Spirometry and capsaicin cough-sensitivity test was carried out in children aged >6 years before the endoscopy. Results: Median age of the 68 children was 9 years (interquartile range (IQR) 7.2). Median DPPC level in BAL of children with cough (72.7 μg/mL) was similar to noncoughers (88.5). There was also no significant difference in DPPC levels in both BAL and gastric aspirates of children classified according to presence of GORD. There was no correlation between DPPC levels and cellular counts or capsaicin cough-sensitivity outcome measures. Conclusion: We conclude that free DPPC levels in the airways and gastric aspirate is not influenced by presence of cough or GORD defined by histological presence of reflux oesophagitis. Whether quantification of adsorbed surfactant differs in these groups remain unknown. Free DPPC is unlikely to have a role in masking of airway receptors. © 2006 Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

Courtyard housing as a subtropical urban design model

Through both theory and practice, this practice-based research develops and tests the idea that courtyard housing can deliver sustainable, compact housing in rapidly growing subtropical cities. It proposes a contemporary urban design model that incorporates urban design courtyard housing prototypes. These prototypes can be further developed by architects and urban designers for similar climatic conditions across the world.

Impaired physical function associated with childhood obesity: How should we intervene?

- Background This study examined relationships between adiposity, physical functioning and physical activity. - Methods Obese (N=107) and healthy-weight (N=132) children aged 10-13 years underwent assessments of percent body fat (%BF, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), knee extensor strength (KE, isokinetic dynamometry), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF, peak oxygen uptake by cycle ergometry), physical health-related quality of life (HRQOL), worst pain intensity and walking capacity [six-minute walk (6MWT)]. Structural equation modelling was used to assess relationships between variables. - Results Moderate relationships were observed between %BF and 6MWT, KE strength corrected for mass and CRF relative to mass (r -.36 to -.69, P≤.007). Weak relationships were found between: %BF and physical HRQOL (r -.27, P=.008); CRF relative to mass and physical HRQOL (r -.24, P=.003); physical activity and 6MWT (r .17, P=.004). Squared multiple correlations showed that 29.6% variance in physical HRQOL was explained by %BF, pain and CRF relative to mass, while 28% variance in 6MWT was explained by %BF and physical activity. - Conclusions It appears that children with a higher body fat percentage have poorer KE strength, CRF and overall physical functioning. Reducing percent fat appears to be the best target to improve functioning. However, a combined approach to intervention, targeting reductions in body fat percentage, pain and improvements in physical activity and CRF may assist physical functioning.