Louelle Sheryl V. Go, Veronica C. Sabularse, Florinia E. Merca and Mary Ann O. Torio
Institute of Chemistry
College of Arts and Sciences
UP Los Baños
Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Carboxymethylated Starch from Carabao Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Seed. Philippine Agricultural Scientist, 98 (2): 25-36, June 2015.
Mango seed starch was extracted from the seed kernels of ‘Carabao’ mango (Mangifera indica L.) and converted to carboxymethylated starch.
(From left, counterclockwise): Carboxymethylated starch from mango seed starch in vials, mango seed starch powder, scanning electron micrograph of mango seed starch granules, fresh mango seeds, and mango seed kernels. Mango seed starch was extracted from the seed kernels of ‘Carabao’ mango (Mangifera indica L.) and converted to carboxymethylated starch. Carboxymethylation resulted in a product that has better functional properties than the native starch.
Mango seed kernel contains a relatively large amount of starch. Starch was isolated from ‘Carabao’ mango (Mangifera indica L.) seeds and converted to carboxymethyl starch (CMS). The physical, chemical and functional properties of mango seed starch (MSS) and CMS were different. Conversion of MSS to CMS changed the characteristics of the native starch. Under a scanning electron microscope MSS granules had round or oval shapes with smooth surfaces and some damaged starch. CMS granules also had smooth surfaces, however, a few showed some wrinkling and scarring. Pastes prepared from CMS were more viscous and resistant to shear stress compared to MSS pastes. The gels produced by CMS and MSS were soft. When the pastes were subjected to freezing and thawing the CMS pastes were more stable than MSS pastes, that is, less water oozed from the former than from the latter. The CMS pastes were more translucent than MSS pastes. CMS was more water-soluble, swelled more readily and retained water to a greater extent compared to MSS.
Link to the article: http://www.pas-uplbca.edu.ph/article.php?id=483
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 0.256
Edsel Maurice T. Salvana
National Institute of Health
UP Manila
“Parasitic Infections of the Central Nervous System” in Aminoff’s Neurology and General Medicine 5th Edition. Michael J. Aminoff and S. Andrew Josephson (editors). Philadelphia, USA : Academic Press, 2014.
Edsel Maurice T. Salvana
National Institute of Health
UP Manila
“African Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness; Trypanosoma brucei Complex)” in Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics 20th Edition. Robert M. Kliegman (editor). Philadelphia, USA : Elsevier, 2016.
Weena Gera
Political Science Program
Social Sciences Cluster
UP Cebu
“Examining the Resilience of Public Participation Structures for Sustainable Mining in the Philippines” in Legal Aspects of Sustainable Development: Horizontal and Sectorial Policy Issues. Volker Mauerhofer (editor). Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2016.
Rosalinda P. Ofreneo
Department of Women and Development Studies
College of Social Work and Community Development
UP Diliman
Women’s Solidarity Economy Initiatives to Strengthen Food Security in Response to Disasters: Insights from Two Philippine Case Studies. Disaster Prevention and Management, 25 (2): 168 – 182, 2016.
Catchy title of research: Solidarity Economy for Food Security: Learning from Women’s Experiences in Disaster Response
Flooding and other disasters have hounded the country more intensely and frequently in the last couple of years. These have resulted in greater hunger, poverty and vulnerability in many local communities where women informal workers live and work. In areas where they are organized, solidarity economy initiatives such as peri-urban community gardens have contributed to strengthening food security while adapting to and mitigating the impact of disasters associated with climate change. Participatory action research conducted in partnership with women leaders have yielded rich and inspiring results. These may be adapted by other communities as part of a more general advocacy to realize the right to food.
Link to the article: http://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/full/10.1108/DPM-11-2015-0258
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 0.434
Joey D. Ocon
Department of Chemical Engineering
College of Engineering
UP Diliman
Electrode Architecture in Galvanic and Electrolytic Energy Cells. Angewandte Chemie – International Edition, 55 (16): 4870–4880, 11 April 2016.
Catchy title of research: How do we architecturally design electrodes in energy applications to get the best performance?
Schematic diagram of the suggested ideal electrode architecture combining the hierarchical fractal structure for mass transport and charge (ion, electron) conduction, and the ordered array structure for electroactive (or electrocatalytic) components.
To achieve balance between component phases, the area or length of the interphase, where the electrocatalyst or electroactive material, electrolyte, current collector, and chemical-reactant pathway meet, should be considered. Because noble metals are extremely expensive, finely dispersed nanoparticles attached to conducting supports (e.g., porous carbon and conductive metal oxides) are used as electrocatalysts to increase surface-volume ratio and/or sur- face-mass ratio. This approach enables a reduction of the total cost, and also improves the power density of galvanic cells and the energy efficiency of electrolytic cells. In addition to increasing the surface area of an electrode, the interphase connection from the electrode surface to the ion/electron conducting media must be established, as well as the availability of open pore spaces for reactant/product. For example, the use of Pt nanoparticles supported on highly porous and electron-conducting carbon black (Pt/C) is a sig- nificant breakthrough in fuel-cell technology in terms of providing a much larger Pt surface area; however, more than half of the area provided by the Pt nanoparticles is not utilized for fuel-cell reactions owing to incomplete connections between Pt sites and the ion-conducting medium network. Hence, architecturally designing electrode surfaces for better utilization efficiency has far-reaching implications for “green” energy-storage and conversion technologies, such as capacitors, batteries, fuel cells, and electrolyzers. Herein, we provide a focused review of the generalized architectural types that can be found in various electrode systems used for chemical energy conversion and storage and discuss the pros and cons of these architectural types in terms of electron/ion conduction, mass transfer of molecular reactant/product, extent of the interphase network, and structural stability. We also introduce synthesis techniques and provide representative examples of different forms of electrode architecture. Recent advances in microscopy and tomography techniques for the examination of 3D structures and the use of operando analysis to probe electrode/electro- lyte interfaces are also discussed, as these methods are fundamentally important toward understanding the architec- tural design of electrodes. Finally, we provide a perspective on the ideal electrode architecture based on the concept of inducing process homogeneity from structural heterogeneity and discuss how the ideal electrode architecture can be substantiated using advanced electrochemical crystallization and self-assembling synthesis techniques.
Link to the article: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/anie.201507780/abstract
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 11.261
Joey D. Ocon
Department of Chemical Engineering
College of Engineering
UP Diliman
High-Power-Density Semiconductor–Air Batteries Based on P-Type Germanium with Different Crystal Orientations. ChemElectroChem, 3 (2): 242–246, February 2016.
Catchy title of research: If there is a trade-off between silicon and germanium in semiconductor-air batteries, why not combine them in the future?
Multi-measure radar chart of the properties of the two semiconductor–air batteries: Ge–air batteries and Si–air batteries. The combination of Si and Ge might provide advantages that are inherent to each battery.
Among various battery chemistries, metal-air batteries are extremely attractive energy storage technologies in different applications due to its high specific energy density, environmental compatibility, and process simplicity. Due to the sufficient supply of reactant oxygen molecules from the atmosphere, metal-air batteries have relatively higher theoretical energy densities than traditional batteries and lithium ion batteries.A new class of metal-air batteries, semiconductor-air batteries are powered by multi-electron reactions in the semiconductor anodes, such as silicon (Si, 3822 mA h gSi-1) and germanium (Ge, 1477 mA h gGe-1). Of late, the quasi-perpetual discharge behaviour of Ge anodes in semiconductor-air batteries was first demonstrated in our previous studies, marked by high anode utilization and a flat discharge profile over long-term discharge operation. In this work, we show the crystal orientation dependence of the discharge behaviour of p-type Ge anode. In general, p-type Ge anodes at the low-index crystal indices could operate in mA scale current range and at high power densities, in stark contrast to the current-limited operation of Si-air battery.
Link to the article: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/celc.201500488/full
Impact Factor: Not yet available
Joey D. Ocon
Department of Chemical Engineering
College of Engineering
UP Diliman
Effects of Electrodeposition Synthesis Parameters on the Photoactivity of Nanostructured Tungsten Trioxide Thin Films: Optimisation Study Using Response Surface Methodology. Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers, 61: 196–204, April 2016.
Catchy title of research: Optimising the preparation of highly active tungsten triooxide photoelectrocatalyst for water splitting
Response surface plots illustrating the effects of (a) precursor W concentration and deposition time; (b) deposition time and annealing temperature; (c) deposition time and pH; (d) pH and W concentration; (e) pH and W concentration and; (f) pH and annealing temperature on the photocurrent densities.
Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is attractive owing to its potential for solar energy conversion without the need of energy derived from declining fossil fuel supplies. To date, much of the researches being carried out are focused on solar energy conversion through PEC water splitting, which converts solar into renewable energy resource in the form of storable hydrogen energy. During the PEC water splitting process, water molecule is photolysed into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) via the aid of semiconductor metal oxide photocatalyst. Thus, the presence of semiconductor photocatalyst plays an important role in the solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion during the PEC water splitting process. Among the common photocatalysts used for PEC water splitting process, tungsten trioxide (WO3) is increasingly used as a semiconductor photocatalyst for oxidative decomposition of water owing to its smaller bandgap energy of 2.6 eV. Moreover, WO3has received a great deal of attention due to its good resistance against photo-corrosion, high stability in acid solution and the extended absorption into visible-light spectrum that rendered a better photoactivity. In the last 2 decades, WO3has been extensively studied from various fundamental science perspectives as well as a wide application in PEC water splitting process. Typically, in order to optimise the electrodeposition synthesis conditions for nanostructured WO3thin films, the experimental-based one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) optimisation approach could be employed to verify the different optimum synthesis parameters. The OFAT approach has been traditionally used to achieve higher efficiencies by varying one independent experimental factor or parameter at a time while keeping the other independent factors constant. However, the major disadvantage of the OFAT approach is that it cannot depict the synergistic and interactive effects among the electrodeposition synthesis parameters and verify the optimum synthesis parameters without vast experimentation efforts. Thus, the main aim of this study was to synthesize and characterise nanostructured WO3thin films via electrodeposition and sub- sequently, optimise the electrodeposition synthesis parameters by using RSM. Previously, we had investigated the effect of heat treat-ment (i.e., annealing temperature) through the OFAT approach on nanostructured WO3thin films and found that the highest photocurrent of 35 uA/cm2was achievable at 600 °C. This study constitutes the foremost study to systematically investigate and optimise the synthesis parameters for nanostructured WO3thin films via the elec- trodeposition synthesis route.
Link to the article: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187610701500543X
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 3.000
Nina G. Gloriani
Department of Medical Microbiology
College of Public Health
UP Manila
Combined Antibody and DNA Detection for Early Diagnosis of Leptospirosis After a Disaster. Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease, 84 (4): 287–291, April 2016.
Catchy title of research: Antibody and DNA detection for early diagnosis of Leptospirosis after a disaster
Early diagnosis based on laboratory confirmation is essential for managing leptospirosis. This study used a combination of tests that detected anti leptospira antibodies in plasma and leptospira DNA in plasma and urine samples of suspected leptospirosis patients. Three methods for antibody detection showed positivity in 60 to 76% of cases. Among antibody negative patients, 9.5% were positive by DNA detection. These findings indicate that the leptospirosis detection rate is increased by combining antibody and DNA detection, providing a new tool for timely diagnosis of infection.
Link to the article: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S073288931600002X
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 2.457
Neda Barghi, Gisela P. Concepcion and Arturo O. Lluisma
Marine Science Institute
College of Science
UP Diliman
Comparison of the Venom Peptides and Their Expression in Closely Related Conus Species: Insights into Adaptive Post-speciation Evolution of Conus Exogenomes. Genome Biology and Evolution, 7 (6): 1797-1814, 2015.
Cone snails (members of the genus Conus) are known to produce diverse venom peptides (toxic but potentially useful as drugs). Interestingly, even closely related Conus species produce unique peptides, indicating that speciation is accompanied by rapid evolution of the venom peptide repertoire. The evolutionary mechanisms that generate unique peptides for each species is still poorly understood. This study addresses this problem by comparing the transcriptome of very closely related species. The study was able to provide evidence that diversification of individual sequences is indeed rapid (minor sequence overlaps were noted) but there is significant conservation in the pattern of diversity and expression at the superfamily and sequence level. The study was also the first demonstrate that divergence in venom composition may result not only from sequence divergence but also from species-specific differential modulation of the expression of specific conotoxin genes.
Link to the article: http://gbe.oxfordjournals.org/content/7/6/1797.short
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 4.229
Cecilia Conaco
Marine Science Institute
College of Science
UP Diliman
Detection of Prokaryotic Genes in the Amphimedon queenslandica Genome. PLoS ONE, 11 (3): e0151092, 16 pages, 9 March 2016.
Catchy title of research: Bacterial genes in the sponge genome
Figure 1. Putative horizontally transferred genes in the genome of A. queenslandica
Figure 4. Examples of candidate horizontally transferred genes in the A. queenslandica genome. Unrooted phylogenetic trees depicting the relationship of (A) spherulin, (B) 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR), (C) phosphatidylserine decarboxylase (PSD), and (D) M35 metallopeptidase sequences from A. queenslandica
The transfer of genes from prokaryotes into metazoans is largely underappreciated in metazoan evolution. It is only recently, with the sequencing of more complete genomes that the extent of horizontal transfer events has begun to be explored. The acquisition of genes with novel functions may serve as a key driving force for environmental adaptation by providing possible new connections in cellular pathways that can be modified to benefit the organism. In this paper, we use complementary methods based on amino acid and nucleotide sequences to discover multiple horizontal gene transfers from prokaryotes into the lineage leading to sponges. We validate the previously confirmed horizontally transferred gene, spherulin, and demonstrate the ability of our method to discriminate sequences from potential symbionts or contaminants versus ancient and recent horizontal gene transfers. Genes identified to be of prokaryotic origin encode catalytic functions that may confer evolutionary advantages, such as morphological plasticity, more efficient nutrient usage, protection from environmental stress, and defense against predators and competitors. This highlights the potential importance of horizontal gene transfer on the success of sponges in diverse ecological niches. The findings of this study suggest that horizontal gene transfer may be more common in metazoans, particularly marine sponges, than previously appreciated. The novel metabolic functions that are conferred by horizontally transferred genes may have a significant contribution to metazoan evolution.
Link to the article: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0151092
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 3.234
Reymark D. Maalihan and Bryan B. Pajarito
Department of Chemical Engineering
College of Engineering
UP Diliman
Effect of Colorant, Thickness, and Pro-Oxidant Loading on Degradation of Low-Density Polyethylene Films During Thermal Aging. Journal of Plastic Film and Sheeting, 32 (2): 124-129, April 2016.
Catchy title of research: Degradation of colored and pro-oxidant loaded low-density polyethylene films during thermal aging
Tensile strength of LDPE films during thermal aging.
Effect of colorant, thickness, and pro-oxidant loading on tensile strength of films before and after 840 h of thermal aging.
We investigated the effect of colorant, thickness and pro-oxidant loading on degradation of low-density polyethylene films during thermal aging by monitoring the tensile strength, oxygen uptake, and carbonyl index of films as function of aging time. We found out that colorant and pro-oxidant loading exhibited significant effect on the tensile strength of aged films. White colorant and increased pro-oxidant loading reduced the tensile strength of films. However, presence of yellow colorant improved the tensile strength of films as compared to non-colored films. All three factors significantly affected the maximum oxygen uptake of films. White and yellow colorants increased the maximum oxygen uptake of aged films when compared to films without colorant. On the other hand, increased film thickness lowered the maximum oxygen uptake while increased pro-oxidant loading showed an uptake increase of aged films. Lastly, increased pro-oxidant loading significant increases the carbonyl index of exposed films, manifesting accelerated degradation during thermal aging. Enhanced degradation of white films is due to the oxidative reactivity of titanium dioxide present in white colorant. Aromatic amine stabilizer in yellow colorant acts as antioxidant that delays film degradation.
Link to the article: http://jpf.sagepub.com/content/32/2/124
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 1.500
Dennis V. Umali
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicines
UP Los Baños
Antibody Response and Protective Immunity of Chickens Vaccinated with Booster Dose of Recombinant Oil-Adjuvanted Leucocytozoon caulleryi Subunit Vaccine. Avian Diseases, 58 (4): 609-615, December 2014.
Figure 1. Interferon gamma expression of chickens vaccinated with different doses of L. caulleryi vaccine
Figure 2. Percentage of chickens with anemia after experimental L. caulleryi infection.
Leucocytozoon caulleryi is an economically important poultry pathogen, which depending on the infecting strain, host species, degree of exposure and other related disease factors may cause subclinical to fatal malaria-like disease in chickens. Treatment against leucocytozoonosis is usually not effective. Preventive measures are important to prevent severe economic losses, hence, development of vaccines is essential to protect poultry farms against this economically devastating pathogen. Although field trials had verified that O- rR7 vaccine has efficacy against leucocytozoonosis under field conditions, it was observed that some farms had mild cases of leucocytozoonosis even though flocks were vaccinated with recommended single dose of O-rR7 vaccine. Insufficient protection in vaccinated flocks was probably observed due to short protective period of a single vaccination. Additional studies are therefore necessary to prolong the duration of effective immunity induced by this vaccine. The study demonstrated that initial vaccination of 40% (0.1 ml) of recommended vaccine dose (0.25 ml) at 45days followed by a booster vaccination at normal dose (0.25 ml) at 130days resulted to production of anti-2GS antibodies above 1600 ELISA units up to 182 days after initial vaccination. Evaluation of immune response at 15 and 21 days post-infection showed that chickens that received booster vaccination had twofold increase in antibody titers as compared to single vaccination. Among the three treatments groups, this protocol showed the most encouraging results with regards to induction of anti-2GS antibody, duration of immunity and protection levels and degree of clinical signs after infection. In addition, it also provided an earlier onset of protection against leucocytozoonosis. Administering booster shots of O-rR7 is highly recommended especially in farms located in Leucocytozoon endemic areas. Further studies are recommended to explore other methods of prolonging the effective immunity of O-rR7 vaccine beyond 182 days. Studies on the use of other types of adjuvants, new vaccine delivery systems and novel vaccination techniques are encouraged.
Link to the article: http://www.aaapjournals.info/doi/abs/10.1637/10829-032714-Reg
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 1.241
Dennis V. Umali
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicines
UP Los Baños
Atypical Velogenic Newcastle Disease in a Commercial Layer Flock in Japan. Poultry Science, 94 (5): 890-897, May 2015.
Figure 1. Phylogenetic analysis of the field strain based on the complete coding sequence of the F-gene (1 – 1662 nt) following the unified NDV classification system
In the field, poultry clinicians normally rely on production performance, clinical signs, pathological lesions and serological profiles to make a diagnosis. Although poultry clinicians are well-trained in recognizing ‘textbook’ cases and disease profiles under controlled experimental conditions, management and environmental factors such as vaccination, nutrition, housing, climate, weather patterns and other related factors may distort the clinical profile of a disease making diagnosis difficult and error prone. This study demonstrated that in some cases, velogenic ND might appear as atypical and have non-velogenic clinical profile. Investigated poultry farms were diagnosed as infected with Infectious bronchitis virus, but velogenic NDVs were isolated. It may be hypothesized that in the presence of high antibody titres, these NDV strains might have been latent, seeking out and slowly proliferating in susceptible individuals instead of following the typical, deadly pathophysiological course. The presence of other infections or stressful husbandry factors, such as molting could have then activated the disease, but good management procedures might have prevented its progression to a full blown velogenic ND, resulting instead in atypical infection. Atypical cases such as these may constitute a potential threat to commercial poultry since this disease may go unnoticed and be left uncontrolled. Hence poultry clinicians are well-advised to be watchful for atypical velogenic ND, especially in vaccinated commercial chicken flocks, since it is possible that they may harbour hidden NDV infection. Therefore, strict vaccination and monitoring procedures even in the case of mild ND signs must always be undertaken.
Link to the article: http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/3465/atypical-velogenic-newcastle-disease-in-a-commercial-layer-flock-in-japan/
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 1.672
Cecile Leah P. Tiangson-Bayaga, Ernani R. Bullecer* and Alonzo A. Gabriel
Department of Food Science and Nutrition
College of Home Economics
UP Diliman
*Department of Nutrition
College of Public Health
UP Manila
Handler Hygienic Practices and Aerobic Plate Counts of Blenderized Whole Food Tube Feedings among Selected Tertiary and Specialty Hospitals in the National Capital Region, Philippines. Acta Medica Philippina, 49 (3): 39-48, 2015.
Blenderized tube feedings (BTF) are comprised of whole foods cooked and processed as a substitute for expensive, commercially prepared solutions for critically ill patients. However, contamination of BTFs in hospitals has posed a great challenge. Faulty food handling procedures, poor hygiene, the nature of the ingredients used, and inadequate sanitation of equipment and hospital environment are just some of the known causes. They have been constantly associated with increased risks of nosocomial infections of the critically ill patients. Enough data is needed to highlight the potential risks of unhygienic handling of blenderized tube feedings. The study was designed to document existing food safety practices in BTF preparation facilities of selected tertiary and specialty hospitals in the National Capital Region (NCR), Philippines. BTF samples were collected from the participating hospitals and were subjected to microbiological analyses. Results showed that not all of the participating BTF handlers were observed to follow workplace hygienic practices. Moreover, not all BTF handlers had previous exposures to food safety systems training, and all hospitals have yet to establish hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) plans for BTF. Majority of the BTFs had plate counts for bacteria exceeding the acceptable standard limit. Familiarity with good manufacturing practices (GMPs), good hygienic practices (GHPs), and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) is highly recommended to improve the microbiological quality of BTFs. There is a need to establish a food safety program in hospital dietary sections to oversee the implementation of such practices.
Link to the article: http://actamedicaphilippina.com.ph
Impact Factor: Not yet available
Cecilia Fe L. Sta. Maria-Abalos
Department of Communication
College of Arts and Communication
UP Baguio
Social Mobilization in the Net Space: Re-Constructed Communication, Identity and Power. Media Watch, 7 (1): 5-18, 1 January 2016.
The study is a textual and discourse analysis of social mobilization attempted and conducted in Social Networking Site (SNS) like the Facebook. The study provided a re-constructed definition and description of communication as a system and process, elaborated on the new identity of individuals engaged in social mobilization in SNS and exacerbated problems and discussions on power and counter-power present in the net space.
Link to the article:
Impact Factor: Not yet available
Vincent Peter C. Magboo
Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics
College of Arts and Sciences
UP Manila
Results of a Prospective Multicenter International Atomic Energy Agency Sentinel Node Trial on the Value of SPECT/CT Over Planar Imaging in Various Malignancies. Journal of Nuclear Medicine, 56 (9): 1338-1344, 1 September 2015.
The study assessed the additional value of SPECT/CT over planar imaging in sentinel node detection in malignancies with different lymphatic drainage such as breast cancer, melanoma and pelvic tumors. Statistical models showed SPECT/CT to detect more SN’s and changed the drainage territory, leading to surgical adjustments in a considerable number of patients in all malignancies studied but especially in the pelvic cancer group because of this group’s deep lymphatic drainage. SPECT/CT is recommended in all breast cancer patients with SN visualized on planar imaging, all patients with melanoma of the head and neck or trunk, all patients with pelvic malignancies and those breast cancer and melanoma patients with unexpected drainage of planar imaging.
Link to the article: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26229148
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 6.160
Vincent Peter C. Magboo
Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics
College of Arts and Sciences
UP Manila
Current Worldwide Nuclear Cardiology Practices and Radiation Exposure: Results from the 65 Country IAEA Nuclear Cardiology Protocols Cross-Sectional Study (INCAPS). European Heart Journal, 36 (26): 1689-1696, July 2015.
Catchy title of research: Statistical Modelling of Radiation Exposure: IAEA Nuclear Cardiology Protocols Cross-Sectional Study (INCAPS)
The study characterized the radiation doses from nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging based on the results of 65 country IAEA Nuclear Cardiology Protocols Cross-Sectional Study (INCAPS). Statistical models were used to estimate radiation doses and formulated best practices quality index. Adherence to radiation safety best practices varied significantly between laboratories and world regions, however, patients undergoing procedures at laboratories adhering to best practices received significantly lower radiation doses. This relationship offers numerous opportunities to improve best practice use and thereby reduce radiation exposure from MPI across the globe.
Link to the article: http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/04/20/eurheartj.ehv117
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 15.203
Raul C. Pangalangan
College of Law
UP Diliman
“The Domestic Implementation of the International Right to Health: The Philippine Experience” in Advancing The Human Right to Health. José M. Zuniga, Stephen P. Marks and Lawrence O. Gostin (editors). Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press, 2013.
Annabelle T. Abrera, Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit* and Marlon N. Manalo
Institute of Chemistry
College of Arts and Sciences
*Crop Science Cluster
College of Agriculture
UP Los Baños
Insect Anti-Feedant and Growth-Inhibitory Activities of a Limonoid from Seeds of Dalanghita (Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Ladu) against Larvae of the Asian Corn Borer [Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée)]. Philippine Agricultural Scientist, 98 (1): 7-14, March 2015.
Catchy title of research: Extract from Dalanghita Seeds Prevent Feeding and Growth of Asian Corn Borer Larvae.
Several physical deformities observed on Asian corn borer adult grown on diets treated with dalanghita seed extract: (a) lacks legs; (b-c) crumpled wings or legs; (d) protruding abdomen; (e) thin and short wings; (f) crumpled wings and missing antenna.
Unsuccessful shedding of outer skin of Asian corn borer pupa grown on diet treated with dalanghita seed extract.
A chemical substance commonly found in citrus fruits was isolated from seeds of dalanghita by extraction using a microwave oven. The ability of crude and partially purified extracts to prevent growth and feeding of Asian corn borer larvae was tested. Larvae avoided feeding on artificial diets containing high amounts of seed extract. The crude extract delayed molting of Asian corn borer larvae, while partially purified extract caused the insects to have deformed wings, legs, and antennae upon growing into adults.
Link to the article:
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 0.256
Bernadette C. Mendoza, Vernans V. Bautista, Armi R. Creencia* and Rosario G. Monsalud*
Institute of Biological Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences
*BIOTECH
UP Los Baños
Characterization of Virgibacillus sp. BOrMES-11: An Anti-Vibrio harveyi Strain Isolated from Philippine Mangrove. Philippine Agricultural Scientist, 97 (2): 171-179, June 2014.
Fig. 1. BOrMES-11 cells with endospore, 1000x (A), under TEM, 10,000X (B), and antimicrobial activity (C).
Fig. 3. Rep-PCR band pattern of isolate BOrMES-11. Lanes 1 and 8 = 1 Kb+ ladder, 2 = REP BOrMES-11, 3 = REP Virgibacillus dokdonensisT, 4 = ERIC BOrMES-11, 5 = ERIC V. dokdonensisT, 6 = BOX BOrMES-11 and 7 = BOX V. dokdonensisT.
BOrMES-11, a mangrove bacterial isolate from Kalinisan, Naujan, Mindoro, was found to have antimicrobial activity against V. harveyi, the etiologic agent of vibriosis that nearly wiped out the shrimp industry in the country. This isolate also produced lipase and protease enzymes with high activity which are desirable ingredients for aquaculture feeds. BOrMES-11 was found to be 99% closely related to Virgibacillus dokdonensis DSW-10T and V. chiguensis NTU-101T based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. However, BOrMES-11 differed from these two novel species in several determinative physiological, biochemical and genotypic properties. DNA-DNA hybridization with the type strains of V. dokdonensis DSW-10T and V. chiguensis NTU-101T will be done to resolve the species identity of this isolate.
Link to the article:
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 0.256
Roland Dominic G. Jamora
Department of Neurosciences
College of Medicine
UP Manila
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Dyskinesia Among Filipino Patients with Parkinson’s Disease. Acta Medica Philippina, 49 (1): 48-51, 2015.
Background. Dyskinesia is a drug-induced impairment in the ability to control movements, characterized by repetitive spasmodic motions with lack of coordination. It is usually associated with long term levodopa (ldopa) use brought about by fluctuations in ldopa plasma levels.
Objectives. To determine the prevalence and time to dyskinesia among Filipino patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) given ldopa versus dopamine agonist (DA) and identify the risk factors for dyskinesia among patients on ldopa.
Methods. We reviewed the chart of all Filipino patients diagnosed with idiopathic PD seen at the out patient neurology clinics of the Philippine General Hospital and the private clinics of a consultant (RDJ) from 2004-2011. We included patients on monotherapy with either ldopa or DA alone for at least 2 years.
Results. A total of 367 patients were included. The prevalence of dyskinesia was significantly higher among patients on ldopa compared to those on DA (36.11% vs 0.86%, p 0.005). At 9 years of treatment, a greater proportion of patients on DA remained free of dyskinesia compared to those on ldopa (99.13%vs 37.5%). The DA group had a longer time to dyskinesia at 7 years compared to the ldopa group at 6.25 years (CI 2 – 20 years). Among patients on ldopa, younger age (53.29 vs. 62.37, p < 0.05), female sex (60.44 vs. 39.56%, p 0.006), and longer duration of treatment (6.25 vs. 3.73, p < 0.05) were significant risk factors for dyskinesia.
Conclusion. Among Filipino PD patients, dyskinesia was significantly higher among patients on ldopa compared to DA. Patients on DA had a longer time to dyskinesia compared to the levodopa group. Among patients on ldopa, the significant risk factors for dyskinesia were: younger age, female sex, and longer duration of treatment.
Link to the article: http://actamedicaphilippina.com.ph
Impact Factor: Not yet available
Michelle M. Ancalan, Roland Dominic G. Jamora and Carissa Paz C. Dioquino
Department of Neurosciences
College of Medicine
UP Manila
Neuropsychological and Cognitive Profile of Retired Filipino Boxers. Acta Medica Philippina, 49 (1): 52-58, 2015.
Introduction. Boxing is a popular sport in the country. In light of this, risk factors of actual and potential chronic injury among Filipino boxers should be investigated. Repetitive brain trauma from boxing may produce progressive neurological deterioration and is associated with memory disturbances, behavioral and personality changes. This is the first local study that examined and described the cognitive and behavioral profile of retired Filipino boxers where specific variables were measured by making use of several psychological tests. Objectives. This study aimed to describe the neuropsychological and cognitive impairment among retired Filipino boxers and possible risk factors.
Methods. This is a descriptive study on the cognitive and behavioral profile of retired Filipino boxers using standard screening examinations (Neuropsychiatric Index, Symptoms Suggestive of Cognitive Impairment, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale).
Results and Discussion. An increase in times knocked showed a possible relationship with a low MoCA score, with language barrier a fac¬tor. SSCI and HADS correlated with the increased rate of being knocked out and with longer years since retirement. Development of cognitive impairment, neuropsychologic and neuropsychiatric features are strongly supported by an increased rate of being knocked out and longer time after retirement, chronic traumatic encephalopathy being a potential consequence of repetitive brain trauma.
Conclusion. An increased rate of being knocked out increase¬s the risk of developing cognitive impairment, neuropsychologic and neuropsychiatric features; with symptoms manifesting years after retirement.
Link to the article: http://actamedicaphilippina.com.ph
Impact Factor: Not yet available
Roland Dominic G. Jamora
Department of Neurosciences
College of Medicine
UP Manila
Biochemical Mechanisms of Pallidal Deep Brain Stimulation in X-linked Dystonia Parkinsonism. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, 21 (8): 954–959, August 2015.
Objective: Invasive techniques such as in-vivo microdialysis provide the opportunity to directly assess neurotransmitter levels in subcortical brain areas.
Methods: Five male Filipino patients (mean age 42.4, range 34e52 years) with severe X-linked dystoniaparkinsonism underwent bilateral implantation of deep brain leads into the internal part of the globus pallidus (GPi). Intraoperative microdialysis and measurement of gamma aminobutyric acid and glutamate was performed in the GPi in three patients and globus pallidus externus (GPe) in two patients at baseline for 25/30 min and during 25/30 min of high-frequency GPi stimulation.
Results: While the gamma-aminobutyric acid concentration increased in the GPi during high frequency stimulation (231 ± 102% in comparison to baseline values), a decrease was observed in the GPe (22 ± 10%). Extracellular glutamate levels largely remained unchanged.
Conclusions: Pallidal microdialysis is a promising intraoperative monitoring tool to better understand pathophysiological implications in movement disorders and therapeutic mechanisms of high frequency stimulation. The increased inhibitory tone of GPi neurons and the subsequent thalamic inhibition could be one of the key mechanisms of GPi deep brain stimulation in dystonia. Such a mechanism may explain how competing (dystonic) movements can be suppressed in GPi/thalamic circuits in favour of desired motor programs.
Link to the article: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1353802015002606
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 3.972
Roland Dominic G. Jamora
Department of Neurosciences
College of Medicine
UP Manila
X-Linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism Manifesting in a Female Patient Due to Atypical Turner Syndrome. Movement Disorders, 28 (5): 675–678, May 2013.
This article reports on a case of a female patient with X-linked Dystonia Parkinsonism (X-DP), which is a genetic disorder unique in Panay Island and Turner Syndrome. The case report has established that X-DP is an X-linked genetic disorder.
Link to the article: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mds.25369/abstract
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 3.972
Mary Donnabelle L. Balela, April Alexa S. Lagarde, Stephen Jann A. Tamayo, Nikko S. Villareal and Ann Marielle Parreno
Department of Mining Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
College of Engineering
UP Diliman
Synthesis of ZrO2 Nanotubes by Anodization of Zr Foil. Applied Mechanics and Materials, 799-800: 125-129, 2015.
Catchy title of research: How to prepare cannelloni-shaped zirconia in water?
Fig. 1.Nanotubes formed at 0.25 wt% NH4F and 1.0M (NH4)2SO4 at 20 V for 1 h (a) without prior surface treatment, (b) with electropolishing, and with (c) etching. The inset shows the magnified top view of the nanotubes.
Zirconia nanotubes shaped like cappelloni pasta are formed on the surface of zirconium foil by simple anodization in the presence of fluorine and sulfate ions. Larger zirconia nanotubes are formed at lower fluorine concentrations. These nanotubes are predominantly tetragonal in structure with small amounts of monoclinic zirconia.
Link to the article:
Impact Factor: Not yet available
Weena Gera
Social Sciences Cluster
UP Cebu
The Politics of Ethnic Representation in Philippine Bureaucracy. Ethnic and Racial Studies, 39 (5): 858-877, 2016.
Catchy title of research: When representation heightens fragmentation and exclusion
The good governance argument for diversity in civil service is based on the notion that creating a bureaucracy that represents the diverse communities it serves strengthens government accountability. This research brings to question such notionby arguing that the unevenness in the allocation of representation tends to privilege majority-based rule in a multi-ethnic context and excludes smaller ethnic groupings and indigenous communities. What the Philippines’ case demonstrates is that amid prevailing disputes over ethnic and indigenous identities and the consequent difficulties in enforcing proportional representation, ethnicity-based bureaucratic representation becomes primarily anchored in the government’s political autonomy framework in peace agreements. With this institutional arrangement, ethnic representation in national bureaucracy essentially constitutes a means for political reallocation of space. This can be gleaned from the ongoing Bangsamoro peace agreements, embedded provisions for ethnic representation in national bureaucratic governance pose the very implications of inherent asymmetries in regional autonomy that could favour predominant Muslim ethnic groups in the allocation of representation, notwithstanding that Mindanao has a tri-people demography. This paper brings an argument that amid intersecting political and ethnictensions, patrimonial forces could easily exploit the country’s bureaucratic representationpolicies as spaces for patronage and as superficial tokens to mollify inter-ethnic factionsof their share of the national polity. Consequently, these policies could not deliverequitable ethnic representation.Rather, they hold ordinary indigenousand minority ethnic communities captive in the elite-dominated, inter-ethnic struggle for representation
Link to the article: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01419870.2015.1080374
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 0.956
Wella L. Absulio, Erlinda I. Dizon and Elda B. Esguerra
Crop Science Cluster
College of Agriculture
UP Los Baños
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) Extracts as Antimicrobial Agent Against Common Spoilage Microorganisms of Fresh-Cut Vegatables. Philippine Agricultural Scientist, 98 (4): 421-428, December 2015.
Catchy title of research: Tamarind Extract as Antimicrobial Agent
Concentrated tamarind fruit extracts.
Tamarind, being an underutilized fruit tree with reported antimicrobial property was tested to address the need for safer and natural washing agent to limit the use of chlorine/chlorine-based sanitizer which may form harmful by-products. Tamarind bark, fruit, and leaf were extracted separately using water, 85% ethanol and 70% acetone. A total of 9 extracts were prepared. Antimicrobial activity of the extracts was tested against against Escherichia coli, Pectobacterium carotovorum, Aspergillus niger, Colletotrichum sp., Candida tropicalis and Debaryomyces hansenii using the disc diffusion and dilution method. Among the extracts, fruit-acetone extract (FAE) showed notable antimicrobial effect. FAE was then used as a washing agent for fresh-cut vegetable mix containing carrots, cucumber and lettuce. Natural microbial load of the fresh-cut vegetable mix (uninoculated vegetable salad mix) was effectively controlled by 0.5% FAE compared to the control (unwashed) and those washed in water alone. However, the fresh-cut vegetables washed with FAE exhibited discoloration and were less acceptable. Despite the poor visual quality response of fresh-cut vegetables, particularly the fresh-cut cucumber, even at low concentration, FAE still showed antibacterial effect and showed potential use for more colored fresh-cuts or other food systems as anti-bacterial washing agent
Link to the article:
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 0.256
Johnrell S. Zuniega and Elda B. Esguerra
Crop Science Cluster
College of Agriculture
UP Los Baños
Comparison of Waxing and Low Temperature Conditioning in Alleviating Chilling Injury of Pineapple (Ananas comosus L. ‘Smooth Cayenne’) Fruit. Philippine Agricultural Scientist, 98 (4): 411-420, December 2015.
Catchy title of research: Waxing and Low Temperature Conditioning Alleviate Chilling Injury of ‘Smooth Cayenne’ Pineapple
Crown chilling injury rating of ‘Smooth Cayenne’ pineapple based on severity of loosening and
drying of leaves: 1 = none, 2 = 1–10%, 3 = 11–25%, 4 = 26–50%, 5 = 51–75%, and 6 = 100%.
Shell chilling injury rating of ‘Smooth Cayenne’ pineapple based on severity of discoloration(blackening): 1 = none, 2 = 1–10%, 3 = 11–25%, 4 = 26–50%, 5 = 51–75%, and 6 = 100%.
The optimum storage temperature of pineapple has been recommended at a range of 7.5–12°C. However, medium-scale exporters of pineapple to the Middle East experienced losses due to chilling injury (CI) during the 23-day sea shipment at 7.5°C. Being a tropical fruit, pineapple is sensitive to chilling temperatures which limits its potential storage life and the markets where it can be exported. This study determined the effectivity of waxing using mineral oil and polyethylene-based wax and low temperature conditioning (3 days at 13°C or at 10°C, then stored at 7.5°C) in alleviating CI of ‘Smooth Cayenne’ pineapple during the 28-day storage at 7.5°C simulating duration of sea shipment to the Middle East. Waxing was more effective in reducing severity of crown and shell CI symptoms and blackheart than low temperature conditioning. Waxing also slowed down fruit ripening, maintained quality, reduced weight loss, minimized disease occurrence and retained firmness. Fruit waxed with mineral oil were firmer than those waxed with polyethylene-based wax. Physico-chemical properties like total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and pH were not generally affected by the CI alleviation techniques.
Link to the article:
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 0.256
Maria Paz N. Marquez
Population Institute
College of Social Sciences and Philosophy
UP Diliman
Unintended Pregnancies and Prenatal, Delivery and Postnatal Outcomes Among Young Women in the Philippines. Asia-Pacific Population Journal, 30 (1): 71-94, June 2015.
Catchy title of research: Do Wanted Pregnancies Differ from Mistimed and Unwanted Pregnancies in terms of Prenatal, Delivery and Postnatal Care?
The study compared the prenatal, delivery and postnatal care behaviors of Filipino women 15-24 years old whose pregnancies were intended against mothers whose pregnancies were unintended. Data from the 2013 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Survey consisting of 2,264 pregnancies that resulted to live births were used. The survey shows that 61.3 per cent of pregnancies were intended or wanted at the time of conception while 38.7 per cent were unintended (23.1 per cent were mistimed or wanted at a later time while 15.6 per cent were not wanted at all). Unintended pregnancies were more common among mothers who were teenagers, unmarried, college-educated, living in urban areas and residents of Metro Manila. There were also more unintended pregnancies among first births than among subsequent births. Results further show that mothers whose pregnancy was either mistimed or unwanted were more likely to have attempted abortion than mothers with intended pregnancy. Mothers with a mistimed pregnancy were also less likely to have begun prenatal care within the first trimester of pregnancy than mothers with intended pregnancy. There were no significant differences between mothers with intended and unintended pregnancies in the other prenatal, delivery and postnatal care indicators examined.
Link to the article:
Impact Factor: Not yet available
Nathaniel P. Hermosa II
National Institute of Physics
College of Science
UP Diliman
Frequency Conversion of Structured Light. Scientific Reports, 6, 21390: 8 pages, 2016.
Input beams carrying orbital angular momentum that were converted into different colors.
Structured beams converted to a different color using nonlinear optics Photonics technology benefits when a beam of light can be manipulated without distorting its phase and intensity profile. This means that even after manipulation the information embedded in the beam do not get loss or jumbled. Recently, an orbital angular momentum carrying beam has gained attention because of the promise of sub-wavelength resolution nano-optics and free-space communication of both classical and quantum light beams. Manipulating such beams provides an opportunity for various novel applications. In this publication, we converted orbital angular momentum carrying beams to have a different color using sum-frequency conversion in a periodically poled lithium niobate crystal. We observe that the frequency-converted beams exhibit a high degree of similarity with the input beam. We also verify the coherence of the frequency-conversion process. Coherence conversion is crucial for interfacing information stored in the high-dimensional spatial structure of single and entangled photons with various constituents of quantum networks. Our results demonstrate the suitability of exploiting the technique for applications in quantum information processing and coherent imaging.
Link to the article: http://www.nature.com/articles/srep21390
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 5.578
