AGK Neranja - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by AGK Neranja

Research paper thumbnail of A Literature Review on Factors Affecting the Academic Performance of Undergraduate Nursing Students in a Sri Lankan University Context

KDU Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies

This article explores various cutting-edge strategies Sri Lanka might use to modernize its nursin... more This article explores various cutting-edge strategies Sri Lanka might use to modernize its nursing curriculum in order to tackle contemporary issues. Employers search the world over for nursing experts who have the skills necessary to meet the modern requirements of the world healthcare system. It is now vital to enhance nursing education in order to extend its focus, deliver more remarkable patient care, and increase the retention and persistence of the students. Nursing students in Sri Lankan institutions place a premium on academic achievement. Meanwhile, many factors that impact nursing students' academic success have been studied, yet many issues still exist. The current study employed a review technique to examine the literature on undergraduate nursing students’ academic performance in a Sri Lankan university context, as well as numerous factors influencing nursing students' performance. The relevant literature for the article was gathered from the Cumulative Index of...

Research paper thumbnail of Mini-review on Natural Disintegrants in Pharmaceutical Formulations

Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research, 2021

Disintegrants are agents which are integrated to tablets and some encapsulated formulations in or... more Disintegrants are agents which are integrated to tablets and some encapsulated formulations in order to promote the breakup of the tablet and capsule “slugs” into more small fragments in an aqueous environment which thereafter increment the available surface area and promoting a more rapid release of the drug substance. The development of new excipients for potential use as disintegrant agent in tablet formulations continues to be of interest. This is because different disintegrant agents can be useful in promoting penetration of moisture and dispersion of the tablet matrix and disintegration of tablet has received considerable attention at present as an essential step in obtaining fast drug release. Natural polymers such as starches, gums, mucilage, and dried fruits utilized as binder, diluent, and disintegrants to increase the solubility of poorly water-soluble drug, decrease the disintegration time, and provide nutritional supplement. Natural disintegrants are safe and economica...

Research paper thumbnail of Perceived Improvements of Quality of Life (QoL) among Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) in Response to a 6-Week Rehabilitation Program

Open Journal of Respiratory Diseases, 2021

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, life-limiting with an average life expectancy o... more Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, life-limiting with an average life expectancy of 05 years following the onset of the disease, with no curative treatments. These patients need palliative care and rehabilitation is one of the methods that can be used to improve quality of life (QoL) among these patients. Yet the research conducted to assess benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in terms of improving physical activity and QoL in IPF patients remains limited. Hence this study aims to evaluate the effect of a bespoke pulmonary rehabilitation programme, on the physical, physiological and psychological parameters and improvements of QoL among IPF patients. Eleven (11) subjects with IPF received 6 weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation. An interviewer administered quality of life questionnaire, six-minute walking test (6MWT), Incremental bicycle exercise tests were performed, and cardiac and respiratory parameters were assessed pre-and post-rehabilitation. The 6MWT was significantly increased following training (Pre 312.55 ± 89.99; Post, 380.73 ± 59.60). A significant improvement was observed in overall QoL (2.226 ± 0.026), dyspnoea (-0.455 ± 0.004) anxiety (-2.070 ± 0.038), depression (-2.217 ± 0.027) scores. No significant changes were found in the VO 2 max and other cardiopulmonary parameters, while non-significant improvement was seen in SpO 2 at peak exercise from 85.8 -86.5. Bespoke pulmonary

Research paper thumbnail of Patients’ Experiences and Opinions on Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Use of It as a Tool of Palliative Care on Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)

Open Journal of Respiratory Diseases, 2021

Background: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and life-limiting cond... more Background: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and life-limiting condition. It has no cure hence it is vital to establish effective methods of improving the quality of remaining life in these patients. One of the key components of improving quality of life is pulmonary rehabilitation. However little research has been conducted to understand the perspectives and lived experience of people with IPF on pulmonary rehabilitation. Hence, we aim to fill this gap in the existing literature. Methods: We sought to understand how patients coped with pulmonary rehabilitation. A patient-centred approach was used to explore the physical and psychological impact of pulmonary rehabilitation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by experienced academics. Interviews used a topic guide but mostly led by the participants. An inductive thematic approach was used to analyse data, allowing us to identify common themes in the participants' experiences. Results: Of fifty invited participants, ten took part in the study (aged 53 -81 years). Inductive analysis of interviews identified seven second-order themes and eleven first-order themes, represented by two General Dimensions: "motivation" and "Advantages and disadvantages". Overall, participants found the pulmonary rehabilitation programme to be useful and they experienced an increase in their quality of life following rehabilitation.

Research paper thumbnail of Antimicrobial Activity of Crude Extracts of Oldenlandia auricularia against Some Selected Human Pathogens

South Asian Journal of Research in Microbiology, 2019

Aims: Currently there is a high demand on novel anti-microbial agents derived from natural source... more Aims: Currently there is a high demand on novel anti-microbial agents derived from natural sources due to low cost and less adverse effects. The present study was designed to screen the anti-microbial activity of different extracts of Oldenlandia auricularia against common pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Study Design: Experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Basic Sciences at Faculty of Allied Health Sciences and Research Laboratory at Faculty of Medicine, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Ratmalana, Sri Lanka, between July 2018 and November 2018. Methodology: The aqueous, methanol, acetone and hexane extracts were prepared with the leaves, roots and stem of the plant Oldenlandia auricularia separately. The agar well diffusion method and broth macro dilution method were applied in order to screen the anti -microbial activity of each test extract against the Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Shigella dysenteriae, Candida albicans and Staphyloc...

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Different Antibiotics Enhanced with Silver-Doped Hydroxyapatite Thin Films

Materials, 2016

The inhibitory and antimicrobial effects of silver particles have been known since ancient times.... more The inhibitory and antimicrobial effects of silver particles have been known since ancient times. In the last few years, a major health problem has arisen due to pathogenic bacteria resistance to antimicrobial agents. The antibacterial activities of new materials including hydroxyapatite (HAp), silver-doped hydroxyapatite (Ag:HAp) and various types of antibiotics such as tetracycline (T-HAp and T-Ag:HAp) or ciprofloxacin (C-HAp and C-Ag:HAp) have not been studied so far. In this study we reported, for the first time, the preparation and characterization of various thin films based on hydroxyapatite and silver-doped hydroxyapatite combined with tetracycline or ciprofloxacin. The structural and chemical characterization of hydroxyapatite and silver-doped hydroxyapatite thin films has been evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The morphological studies of the HAp, Ag:HAp, T-HAp, T-Ag:HAp, C-HAp and C-Ag:HAp thin solid films were performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In order to study the chemical composition of the coatings, energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES) measurements have been used, obtaining information on the distribution of the elements throughout the film. These studies have confirmed the purity of the prepared hydroxyapatite and silver-doped hydroxyapatite thin films obtained from composite targets containing Ca 10-x Ag x (PO 4 ) 6 (OH) 2 with x Ag = 0 (HAp) and x Ag = 0.2 (Ag:HAp). On the other hand, the major aim of this study was the evaluation of the antibacterial activities of ciprofloxacin and tetracycline in the presence of HAp and Ag:HAp thin layers against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli strains. The antibacterial activities of ciprofloxacin and tetracycline against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli test strains increased in the presence of HAp and Ag:HAp thin layers.

Research paper thumbnail of A mini-review on the different types of covid-19 vaccines in use

World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2021

Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) is an infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome... more Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) is an infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is a new strain that is identified newly in humans, which was originated in China in 2019. This virus spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose upon coughing, sneezing, speaking, or breathing. This is an ongoing global pandemic which increases day by day. The only solution to decrease the fatality caused by COVID-19 is vaccination. Vaccines are of different types. Vaccines get differed depending on the approach in designing them. Inactivated, live attenuated, and viral vector vaccines are made up of the whole microbe approach. Subunit vaccines are made up of the subunit approach. Nucleic acid vaccines are made up of nucleic acids. The present review has attempted to reveal the different types of vaccines used against COVID-19.

Research paper thumbnail of A Literature Review on Factors Affecting the Academic Performance of Undergraduate Nursing Students in a Sri Lankan University Context

KDU Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies

This article explores various cutting-edge strategies Sri Lanka might use to modernize its nursin... more This article explores various cutting-edge strategies Sri Lanka might use to modernize its nursing curriculum in order to tackle contemporary issues. Employers search the world over for nursing experts who have the skills necessary to meet the modern requirements of the world healthcare system. It is now vital to enhance nursing education in order to extend its focus, deliver more remarkable patient care, and increase the retention and persistence of the students. Nursing students in Sri Lankan institutions place a premium on academic achievement. Meanwhile, many factors that impact nursing students' academic success have been studied, yet many issues still exist. The current study employed a review technique to examine the literature on undergraduate nursing students’ academic performance in a Sri Lankan university context, as well as numerous factors influencing nursing students' performance. The relevant literature for the article was gathered from the Cumulative Index of...

Research paper thumbnail of Mini-review on Natural Disintegrants in Pharmaceutical Formulations

Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research, 2021

Disintegrants are agents which are integrated to tablets and some encapsulated formulations in or... more Disintegrants are agents which are integrated to tablets and some encapsulated formulations in order to promote the breakup of the tablet and capsule “slugs” into more small fragments in an aqueous environment which thereafter increment the available surface area and promoting a more rapid release of the drug substance. The development of new excipients for potential use as disintegrant agent in tablet formulations continues to be of interest. This is because different disintegrant agents can be useful in promoting penetration of moisture and dispersion of the tablet matrix and disintegration of tablet has received considerable attention at present as an essential step in obtaining fast drug release. Natural polymers such as starches, gums, mucilage, and dried fruits utilized as binder, diluent, and disintegrants to increase the solubility of poorly water-soluble drug, decrease the disintegration time, and provide nutritional supplement. Natural disintegrants are safe and economica...

Research paper thumbnail of Perceived Improvements of Quality of Life (QoL) among Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) in Response to a 6-Week Rehabilitation Program

Open Journal of Respiratory Diseases, 2021

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, life-limiting with an average life expectancy o... more Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, life-limiting with an average life expectancy of 05 years following the onset of the disease, with no curative treatments. These patients need palliative care and rehabilitation is one of the methods that can be used to improve quality of life (QoL) among these patients. Yet the research conducted to assess benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in terms of improving physical activity and QoL in IPF patients remains limited. Hence this study aims to evaluate the effect of a bespoke pulmonary rehabilitation programme, on the physical, physiological and psychological parameters and improvements of QoL among IPF patients. Eleven (11) subjects with IPF received 6 weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation. An interviewer administered quality of life questionnaire, six-minute walking test (6MWT), Incremental bicycle exercise tests were performed, and cardiac and respiratory parameters were assessed pre-and post-rehabilitation. The 6MWT was significantly increased following training (Pre 312.55 ± 89.99; Post, 380.73 ± 59.60). A significant improvement was observed in overall QoL (2.226 ± 0.026), dyspnoea (-0.455 ± 0.004) anxiety (-2.070 ± 0.038), depression (-2.217 ± 0.027) scores. No significant changes were found in the VO 2 max and other cardiopulmonary parameters, while non-significant improvement was seen in SpO 2 at peak exercise from 85.8 -86.5. Bespoke pulmonary

Research paper thumbnail of Patients’ Experiences and Opinions on Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Use of It as a Tool of Palliative Care on Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)

Open Journal of Respiratory Diseases, 2021

Background: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and life-limiting cond... more Background: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and life-limiting condition. It has no cure hence it is vital to establish effective methods of improving the quality of remaining life in these patients. One of the key components of improving quality of life is pulmonary rehabilitation. However little research has been conducted to understand the perspectives and lived experience of people with IPF on pulmonary rehabilitation. Hence, we aim to fill this gap in the existing literature. Methods: We sought to understand how patients coped with pulmonary rehabilitation. A patient-centred approach was used to explore the physical and psychological impact of pulmonary rehabilitation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by experienced academics. Interviews used a topic guide but mostly led by the participants. An inductive thematic approach was used to analyse data, allowing us to identify common themes in the participants' experiences. Results: Of fifty invited participants, ten took part in the study (aged 53 -81 years). Inductive analysis of interviews identified seven second-order themes and eleven first-order themes, represented by two General Dimensions: "motivation" and "Advantages and disadvantages". Overall, participants found the pulmonary rehabilitation programme to be useful and they experienced an increase in their quality of life following rehabilitation.

Research paper thumbnail of Antimicrobial Activity of Crude Extracts of Oldenlandia auricularia against Some Selected Human Pathogens

South Asian Journal of Research in Microbiology, 2019

Aims: Currently there is a high demand on novel anti-microbial agents derived from natural source... more Aims: Currently there is a high demand on novel anti-microbial agents derived from natural sources due to low cost and less adverse effects. The present study was designed to screen the anti-microbial activity of different extracts of Oldenlandia auricularia against common pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Study Design: Experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Basic Sciences at Faculty of Allied Health Sciences and Research Laboratory at Faculty of Medicine, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Ratmalana, Sri Lanka, between July 2018 and November 2018. Methodology: The aqueous, methanol, acetone and hexane extracts were prepared with the leaves, roots and stem of the plant Oldenlandia auricularia separately. The agar well diffusion method and broth macro dilution method were applied in order to screen the anti -microbial activity of each test extract against the Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Shigella dysenteriae, Candida albicans and Staphyloc...

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Different Antibiotics Enhanced with Silver-Doped Hydroxyapatite Thin Films

Materials, 2016

The inhibitory and antimicrobial effects of silver particles have been known since ancient times.... more The inhibitory and antimicrobial effects of silver particles have been known since ancient times. In the last few years, a major health problem has arisen due to pathogenic bacteria resistance to antimicrobial agents. The antibacterial activities of new materials including hydroxyapatite (HAp), silver-doped hydroxyapatite (Ag:HAp) and various types of antibiotics such as tetracycline (T-HAp and T-Ag:HAp) or ciprofloxacin (C-HAp and C-Ag:HAp) have not been studied so far. In this study we reported, for the first time, the preparation and characterization of various thin films based on hydroxyapatite and silver-doped hydroxyapatite combined with tetracycline or ciprofloxacin. The structural and chemical characterization of hydroxyapatite and silver-doped hydroxyapatite thin films has been evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The morphological studies of the HAp, Ag:HAp, T-HAp, T-Ag:HAp, C-HAp and C-Ag:HAp thin solid films were performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In order to study the chemical composition of the coatings, energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES) measurements have been used, obtaining information on the distribution of the elements throughout the film. These studies have confirmed the purity of the prepared hydroxyapatite and silver-doped hydroxyapatite thin films obtained from composite targets containing Ca 10-x Ag x (PO 4 ) 6 (OH) 2 with x Ag = 0 (HAp) and x Ag = 0.2 (Ag:HAp). On the other hand, the major aim of this study was the evaluation of the antibacterial activities of ciprofloxacin and tetracycline in the presence of HAp and Ag:HAp thin layers against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli strains. The antibacterial activities of ciprofloxacin and tetracycline against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli test strains increased in the presence of HAp and Ag:HAp thin layers.

Research paper thumbnail of A mini-review on the different types of covid-19 vaccines in use

World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2021

Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) is an infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome... more Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) is an infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is a new strain that is identified newly in humans, which was originated in China in 2019. This virus spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose upon coughing, sneezing, speaking, or breathing. This is an ongoing global pandemic which increases day by day. The only solution to decrease the fatality caused by COVID-19 is vaccination. Vaccines are of different types. Vaccines get differed depending on the approach in designing them. Inactivated, live attenuated, and viral vector vaccines are made up of the whole microbe approach. Subunit vaccines are made up of the subunit approach. Nucleic acid vaccines are made up of nucleic acids. The present review has attempted to reveal the different types of vaccines used against COVID-19.