Banwa Publications (University of the Philippines Mindanao)
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Antibiofilm Activity of Semipurified Anthocyanin extract of Blue Ternate (Clitoria ternatea) on Hospital-acquired Infection: An Invitro and Insilico Study
No full textClitoria ternatea is a plant highly valued in the community because of its antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, with bioactive compounds that comprise flavonoids, anthocyanins, and terpenoids. C. ternatea extracts have antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against a variety of bacteria that are common causes of hospital-acquired infections. The study assessed a specific antibacterial property of the plant by comparing the effectiveness of the anthocyanin plant extract in counteracting new biofilm formation both in vitro and in silico. The study design tested the anthocyanin plant extract on biofilms formed on both glass and polystyrene surfaces. The anthocyanin extract derived from the plant has a good ability to prevent biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and the cell density of bacteria on both glass and polystyrene media is significantly less than that of the untreated control groups (p < 0.001). Accordingly, the treatment of S. aureus with C. ternatea resulted in a significant reduction of the microbial cell counts on its surface, suggesting antibiofilm activity. Similarly, for E. coli, cell count reduction was reported in media made from glass and plastic (p < 0.001), in which the count decreased from 134 to 38.3 in glass and from 142 to 22 in polyester. These outcomes demonstrated the effectiveness of anthocyanin-rich fractions of C. ternatea in inhibiting S. aureus and E. coli biofilms associated with infection conditions; possible future applications are highlighted. It is highly recommended that future in vitro studies of C. ternatea aim to examine other bioactivities besides the anti-attachment effect. It would also be useful to identify the types of anthocyanin compounds present in the extract through the best available techniques, such as HPLC-MS. Further, more advanced in silico studies should be conducted to assess the binding affinity and specificity of various anthocyanin derivatives to other microbial proteins possibly relevant to therapeutic applications
Nursing at the Forefront: Advancing Collaborative, Personalized, and Equitable Healthcare
No full textThe future of nursing research is poised to transform healthcare by addressing emerging challenges through collaborative, innovative, and patient-centered approaches. These incorporate technological advancements to revolutionize and optimize care for inpatient and public health needs. The approaches are anchored on collaborative management, emphasizing teamwork among healthcare professionals with the end goal of improving health outcomes. Collaborative opportunities will include technological and innovative techniques in health management, nursing leadership, policy research, ethical and legal issues, health disparities, mental health, chronic care, and, more urgently, a more responsive approach to pandemic preparedness and climate change. These collaborative efforts will ensure that nursing remains central to advancing healthcare quality, equity, and accessibility in an increasingly complex healthcare landscap
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 3 in Backyard Raised Pigs and Its Potential Zoonotic Transmission in Maguindanao
No full textHepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 is a zoonotic disease affecting humans and animals, with higher risks linked to frequent contact with infected animals, especially pigs. It causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, making control and prevention measures essential for reducing infection. This quantitative cross-sectional study assessed HEV genotype 3 seroprevalence in 96 serum samples from backyard pigs in Maguindanao. Eighty-eight non-hemolyzed samples were analyzed for anti-HEV antibodies using ELISA. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of pig handlers were also evaluated to assess zoonotic transmission risk. The results indicate a 4.5% seroprevalence rate, which is highest in weaners, with no significant difference between age groups. Even with high awareness, the KAP assessment reveals limitations in understanding transmission routes. While respondents usually implement preventive measures, differences in environmental behaviors show the need for focused community education to avoid the spread of the virus in the area. The study confirmed the presence of HEV genotype 3 antibodies among the pigs surveyed in the community. The KAP survey identified a high awareness of the residents about HEV\u27s health impact, but misconceptions about the virus transmission are evident. Despite the implementation of sanitary and preventive measures, variations in environmental behaviors indicate the need for enhanced community education. Overall, the study provides a baseline understanding of the circulating HEV genotype in the area, which will drive future research and public health activities aimed at reducing transmission and promoting community well-being
Advancing Rabies Control Through Digital Tools and Data-Driven Methods
No full textKnown as the world’s deadliest virus, rabies is 100% fatal. Over 300 Filipinos die annually due to rabies disease despite being 100% vaccine preventable. In Davao City, the City Veterinarian’s Office (CVO) vaccinated over 160,000 dogs and cats in 2022. However, the city still tallied 19 animal rabies cases and 13 human rabies deaths. With the bulk of data CVO has been collecting yearly and given the limited personnel with technical expertise on data analysis, insights on rabies transmission and control tends to be subjective and at times, inconsistencies in strategic planning for rabies control are overlooked. Moreover, rabies prevention and control strategies in animals and humans are fragmented which can inadvertently lead to unmet goals despite well-meaning efforts. Many countries have shown that rabies elimination is possible through One Health and Participatory approaches. With proper data storage and management, evidence-based strategies can be formulated in which a centralize dashboard would be an effective tool to quickly gain insights about the data at hand at different levels. RabDash or Rabies Data Analytics Dashboard is a centralized data management and analytics system for rabies-related data such as the number of rabies cases, population data of dogs in an area, location of captured animals, case monitoring, and current interventions implemented by the city. The system works by collecting these data and generating downloadable data visualizations in the form of graphs, charts, and maps. RabDash can also forecast rabies cases and provides phylogenetic information of rabid dogs to produce historical data and enable further conduct of research methods. These features will help facilitate the decision-making process of the local government in developing new and targeted interventions to address rabies cases. RabDash enables easy tracking of rabies cases within the city. It aims to address the inefficiency of the current system by automating the process of analytics for all rabies-related data. Since the system no longer relies on manual data processing, results for every data input remain consistent following a uniform process. This new system will help the CVOs better assess their local rabies situation and efficiently implement local guidelines
Exploring the Potential of Java Plum (Duhat) (Syzygium cumini) as a Fruit Syrup and Natural Sweetener
No full textThis study primarily aimed to develop a fruit-based sweetener for health-conscious individuals using Java plum or duhat (Syzygium cumini), an underutilized local fruit in the Philippines rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants. Four syrup formulations with varied fruit pulp blends (A-35%, B-45%, C-55%, and D-65%) were prepared and subjected to a Preference Ranking test. Based on the panel’s preference for higher fruit content and low added sugar, Formulation C underwent further characterization: physicochemical, proximate, antioxidant properties, and consumer acceptability. It exhibited 55.60° Brix total soluble solids, a pH of 4.88, a viscosity of 1,730 mPa-s, and a solubility time of 18.40 s. The syrup\u27s color profile featured a slightly dull dark hue with a reddish undertone and a yellowish tint (L*= 29.31, a*=14.69, b*=5.39, H=20.15, C=15.64). Its proximate composition included 58.38% moisture, 0.45% crude ash, 0.04% crude fat, 1.77% crude fiber, 0.40% crude protein, and 38.97% total carbohydrates, with 19.93% glucose and 41.40% total sugars. Additionally, the syrup demonstrated high antioxidant properties, with 81.41 mg GAE/g total phenolics and 2.79 μg/mL DPPH scavenging activity. In Consumer Acceptability (n=80), Formulation C received positive ratings: "like very much" for appearance, "like slightly" for aroma, and "like moderately" for taste, texture/mouthfeel, and overall acceptability. Overall, this study successfully utilized duhat fruit to create an alternative sweetener in syrup form with promising health benefits. Further research is recommended to optimize its sensory attributes while enhancing its nutritional profile and functional properties
A Centralized Mobile App for Dog Rabies Vaccination Reporting by Private and City Veterinarians in Davao City
No full textRabies is a fatal viral disease spread through animal bites, primarily from dogs. Despite vaccination efforts, it remains a public health issue, especially in the Philippines. Utilizing mobile technology for real-time data collection could enhance rabies surveillance, improving disease management and targeting resources more effectively for eradication. The mobile app streamlines rabies data collection by private veterinarians and the City Veterinarian’s Office (CVO) in Davao City, using the Scrum Agile development lifecycle. Features include user management, data tracking, and real-time reporting. The system undergoes alpha and beta testing, with usability assessed via the System Usability Scale to ensure effectiveness. The RabDash mobile application was developed to centralize rabies data collection for Davao City’s CVO, RabDash DC, and private veterinarians. The app features a landing page, user authentication, a main menu, input forms, data tables, downloadable forms, and a user profile. It simplifies data transition from manual to digital formats, enabling efficient rabies tracking. The app\u27s frontend focuses on user accessibility, while the backend ensures secure data management via MySQL and API integration. Hosted on Hostinger, the mobile app received positive feedback, with an above-average usability score of 80.63. However, challenges like poor internet access in remote areas and usability issues were noted. Despite this, the app is a significant step toward improving rabies management in Davao City. The study highlights the development of a mobile application to digitize rabies data collection for Davao City\u27s CVO and private veterinarians. While the app improved data management and usability, survey feedback identified areas for improvement. Recommendations include enhancing the user interface, adding offline functionality for areas with limited internet access, integrating RabDash DC\u27s charts and forecasting modules, and providing user training to facilitate a smooth transition to the new system. Expanding the app to allow public participation in animal data gathering was also suggested to increase its impact in controlling and eliminating rabies
Phenomenological Study on Self-medication and Medication Practices in An Urban Poor Community: A Basis for Community Development Services
No full textSelf-medication has set off an expanding public health consideration due to its extensive practice, often seen as a cutback measure amidst the identified high costs of medicines. However, the rise of medication malpractices has led to important issues and entailed intervention programs. Using a phenomenological research design within a qualitative framework, the study gathered data through focus group discussions. The research aimed to assess participants\u27 lived experiences, perceptions of self-medication, and the factors influencing their decisions to self-medicate. The participants\u27 responses, based on their experiences and observations, revealed how they manage various illnesses within their community. Key themes that emerged from the study include the convenience of self-medication, financial constraints, and misconceptions about conventional medicines and healthcare services. The findings indicate that self-medication is a prevalent practice in Zonta Village, providing residents with a convenient way to manage illnesses at home. However, the study also highlighted that several factors influence the decision to self-medicate, potentially leading to risks for the residents. The study contributes to the development of community health services to address the issues surrounding self-medication, suggesting the need for targeted interventions to promote safer medication practices and improve overall community health. The researchers suggest that local health offices utilize this study to address medication malpractices within communities, emphasizing the need to recognize issues such as antibiotic abuse, unhealthy medication habits, and disease masking. Additionally, they recommend that the Department of Health (DOH) consider this study as a reference when developing programs and policies aimed at combating these issues
How Can Universities Support Interdisciplinary Research?
No full textInterdisciplinary research is essential for addressing complex health challenges, yet universities often struggle to fully support such collaborative efforts. This talk will explore how academic institutions can better promote interdisciplinary research by reforming key areas. First, reward and recognition systems must be adapted to adequately credit interdisciplinary contributions, ensuring that scholars are incentivized to work across fields. Second, funding structures from both internal and external grantors need to be reimagined to encourage and sustain cross-disciplinary collaboration. Finally, the organization of faculty members and departments must evolve to break down silos and foster an environment where interdisciplinarity can thrive. Together, these changes will empower universities to be leaders in advancing impactful, boundary-spanning research
Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli Isolates in Romaine Lettuce from Vegetable Markets in Marilog District, Davao City, Philippines
No full textThe consumption of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) has become a trend due to its health benefits. However, lettuce, in general, has been described as a reservoir of pathogenic microbes such as antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) E. coli, posing a health risk to consumers that may lead to an outbreak of foodborne pathogens. The MPN test was used for coliform enumeration. E. coli isolation used membrane filtration techniques and subculture techniques, confirmed by gram staining. The antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the E. coli isolates were determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion assay. A Chi-square test of independence correlated coliform contamination and AMR. The study found that among the 50 Romaine lettuce samples, the average level of coliform contamination was 693.52 MPN/g, a value above the acceptable limit in vegetables. Among the E. coli isolates, 60% were susceptible to amikacin (30 µg), and 90% were susceptible to nalidixic acid (30 µg). AMR E. coli isolates were found, with 85% resistant to ampicillin (10 µg), 40% resistant to ticarcillin (75 µg), 15% resistant to cefazolin (30 µg), and 45% expressing multidrug resistance. The Chi-square test of independence showed that coliform contamination and AMR had a significant relationship, with AMR found more frequently in samples with low MPN/g. This study emphasizes the need for surveillance of AMR bacterial strains in fresh produce and the implementation of better sanitary practices in the post-harvest handling of lettuce
Potential Protective effect of COVID-19 Vaccines from New-Onset Autoimmune Diseases Following COVID-19 Infection: A Systematic Review
No full textAbstractAlthough the effects of COVID-19 infection mainly present as respiratory illness, emerging evidence indicates immune dysregulation increasing the risk of autoimmune disease (AD) development. This systematic review aimed to establish the global prevalence of new-onset autoimmune diseases following COVID-19 infection and its association with vaccines. Utilizing the PICOS framework, 1,137 studies were identified from six databases and citation searching. The screening procedure removed 116 duplicates, 416 unrelated studies, 587 ineligible studies, and 10 studies with insufficient data following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysies (PRISMA) protocol. The findings of eight included studies can be synthesized: there is an increased risk of developing new-onset autoimmune diseases following COVID-19 infection, whereas rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Sjögren\u27s syndrome, systemic sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus were the most globally prevalent ADs. All but one included study presented a compelling picture of the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine in reducing the risk of developing various new-onset autoimmune diseases compared to the unvaccinated group. This systematic review showed that the new-onset ADs were increasingly prevalent in patients with recorded COVID-19 infection and a clinical presentation affecting organ-specific to systemic manifestations in children, adults, and across countries. Notably, the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines extends even to the sequelae of the infection. It stands to reason that COVID-19 vaccines are protective in preventing disease outcomes. Individuals with symptoms indicative of COVID-19 infection should be tested for COVID-19 to establish baseline data, have access to immediate treatment, and prevent exacerbation of the infection. Individuals with lingering effects from COVID-19 infection should consult healthcare providers to access long-term care planning and prevent the development of new-onset autoimmune diseases. Healthcare governments may consider refining their existing COVID-19 policies and extending support to individuals with post-COVID infection