1.Type and severity of intimate partner violence and formal help-seeking among women in the Philippines
Kim Carmela D. Co ; Amiel Nazer C. Bermudez ; Ma. Lourdes Rossana E. De Guzman
Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development 2019;23(2):1-9
Background:
In the Philippines, 25% of ever-married women reported experiencing some form of violence from their partners but only 10% of them actually sought medical or legal help (NDHS, 2013). The objective of this study was to describe the type and severity of intimate partner violence experienced, and its association with formal help-seeking,among women aged 15-49 years in the Philippines.
Methodology:
The cross-sectional data used for this study came from the National Demographic and Health Survey of women aged 15-49 years old conducted in 2013. To estimate the association of interest, confounders were identified using the change-in-estimate criterion and were controlled by multiple logistic regression
modelling.
Results:
Among women aged 15-49 years who experienced intimate partner violence, those who experienced all types of abuse had the highest proportion of formal help-seeking (7.3%), while women who experienced only sexual abuse had the lowest (0 out of 67). Controlling for the effect of other variables, women who experienced severe physical abuse were more likely to seek medical or legal assistance compared to those who experienced moderate physical abuse (OR=4.77; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.96 – 11.62).
Conclusion
Formal help-seeking rates were low among victims of intimate partner violence in the Philippines. The severity of the abuse experienced is likely an important factor in seeking medical and legal help. These systems should thus be capable of handling severe cases of abuse in order to address the needs of women who seek help. Efforts should be made to increase formal help-seeking among all victims of domestic violence.
Intimate Partner Violence
;
Domestic Violence
;
Physical Abuse
2.Promoting sufficient fruit and vegetable intake among teachers: An intervention using the Solomon Four Group Design
Nona Rachel C. Mira ; Nymia P. Simbulan
Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development 2019;23(2):26-39
Background:
Majority of recent deaths in the Philippines were attributed to noncommunicable diseases. While adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables can potentially decrease the burden of some of these noncommunicable diseases, health promotion and education interventions have also shown to increase the fruit and vegetable intake that will help prevent certain heart diseases and cancer.
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a self-management intervention on psychosocial variables
and fruit and vegetable intake (FVI) of public school teachers in Negros Oriental, Philippines.
Methodology:
The study utilized the Solomon Four Group Design. The psychosocial variables were derived from Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory and Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior. FVI was measured using a food frequency questionnaire. An assessment of interaction between the intervention and pretest, group
comparison tests, and nested ANOVA approach was performed.
Results
Teachers from 44 schools were included in the analysis; 112 were in the intervention group and 116 in
the control group. Results indicate no significant interaction between treatment and pre-test group
(F[1,224]=0.15, p=0.703) and no significant differences in the psychosocial variables scores and FVI of the intervention and control groups (p=>0.05). Significant findings in two of four psychosocial variables, particularly diet-related attitude (t=2.412, p=0.009) and knowledge regarding the recommended FVI (Fisher's exact test p=0.010), and mean FVI (t=1.898, p=0.031) were only found using data from the posttest-only intervention group who were able to attend the lecture-workshop and control group.
Conclusion: The study found no evidence of pretest sensitization. There was insufficient evidence to conclude that there were differences in FVI and psychosocial variables of the intervention and control groups postintervention.
Self-Management
;
Psychological Theory
3.A PCR-based assay for the detection of Schistosoma japonicum from human samples
Marvin V. Pelovello ; Joy Ann P. Santos ; Joanne Marie M. del Rosario ; Brian E. Schwem ; Romula A. Obleopas ; Vicente Y. Belizario Jr. ; Raul V. Destura
Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development 2019;23(4):39-46
Background and Objective:
Schistosoma japonicum is the causative agent of schistosomiasis in the Philippines. Current diagnostics suffer from low sensitivity and accuracy, hence an accurate and reliable diagnosis of schistosomiasis is essential for its prevention and control. In this study, a PCR-based assay for the detection of Schistosoma japonicumfor patient stool and serum samples was developed.
Methodology:
Three candidate primer sets targeting mitochondrial genes COX3, NAD4, and NAD5 were assessed. COX3 primer pair was used for the rest of the study for sensitivity, specificity, and performance testing. Lastly, the assay using COX3 primer pair was compared to Kato-Katz and circumoval precipitin test (COPT).
Results:
COX3 and NAD5 primers showed suitability for the assay as sequencing analyses gave high similarities
of 96-98% for S. japonicum, while NAD4 showed no similarity to any organisms. The PCR-assay was shown to have a detection limit of 4 ng/ul DNA and was specific only to S. japonicum. The assay detected seven out of ten S. japonicum-spiked stool samples and ten out of ten S. japonicum-spiked serum samples. Comparative performance testing with Kato-Katz and COPT showed high specificity of 100% for both samples, but low sensitivity for formalin-fixed stool samples and stored serum samples.
Conclusion
This study developed a sensitive and specific PCR-based assay to detect S. japonicum from human samples. Results suggest that this PCR assay could be useful for the detection of S. japonicum in fresh clinical samples and can be further improved as a reference to improve other diagnostic assays for schistosomiasis.
Schistosoma japonicum
;
Schistosomiasis
;
Polymerase Chain Reaction
4.Surface judgments, profound questions: A homosexual male's Phlebotomy experience
Chadwick Co Sy Su ; Paul Martin Anthony C. Cenizal ; Teresita E. Dumagay
Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development 2019;23(4):12-17
Background and Objectives:
Two of the authors, one heterosexual and one homosexual, both voluntarily donated blood to a well-known health institution in the Philippines. As they were filling out the paperwork, one of the authors' attention was called by one of the questions in the form: “Nakipagtalik ka na ba sa iyong kauri?,” which can be literally translated as “Have you had sex with your own kind?”. This erroneously phrased
question was the sole question interrogated and problematized in the study.
Methodology:
Reviews of Standpoint Theory and the methodology associated with it and, in effect, used in the
study, formed part of the critique, divided into individual narrations and interpretations by each author. A third co-author, a hematologist, lent her insight on the logistics and issues of phlebotomy. Institutional ethnography was brought to bear on the narratives
Results and Conclusion
This three-author collaboration is presented as a claim that an interdisciplinary approach may open new vistas to a phenomenon that has long existed but been ignored. Reviews of Standpoint Theory and curriculum planning for health professionals are recommended.
Phlebotomy
;
Communication
;
Homosexuality
;
Blood Donation
5.Solanum melongena (Eggplant) Crude Anthocyanin Extract and Delphinidin-3- glucoside protects Caenorhabditis elegans against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae
John Sylvester B. Nas ; Chelsea Kaye F. Roxas ; Romina Roan G. Acero ; Andrei Luis P. Gamit ; Jillen P. Kim ; Juleen A. Rentutar ; Angela C. Ching ; Alaica Q. Saludares
Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development 2019;23(4):18-25
Background and Objectives:
During infection, Reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling is activated to protect the cells from invading microorganisms. However, a high level of ROS may also damage the host tissue. The anthocyanin delphinidin is known to have a strong antioxidant activity that protects cells from oxidative damage. This study explored the potential of crude anthocyanin extract from the fruit of Solanum melongena (Eggplant) and Delphinidin-3-glucoside in enhancing the innate immunity in Caenorhabditis elegans against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Methodology:
Caenorhabditis elegans was used to study innate immune response because it lacks adaptive immunity. First, the sublethal concentration of S. melongena crude anthocyanin extract (SMCAE) and Delphinidin-3-glucoside (D3G) in C. elegans was determined. The sublethal concentration of SMCAE and D3G was used to supplement the nematodes during its exposure to S. aureus and K. pneumoniae. The survival rate
was then observed until day five post-L4. SMCAE and D3G were also tested for probable antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Results and Conclusion
This study found that both SMCAE and D3G showed no inhibitory effect on the growth of the bacteria. However, both SMCAE and D3G enhanced the survival of the nematode when exposed to S. aureus and K. pneumoniae. Overall, this study indicates that the anthocyanin delphinidin in S. melongenacrude extract protected the C. elegans against S. aureus and K. pneumoniaeinfection through its antioxidant activity.
Anthocyanins
;
Caenorhabditis elegans
;
Klebsiella pneumoniae
6.Virtual screening of natural products and drugs as inhibitors against Aspartate Transcarbamoylase and Orotidine-5'-Monophosphate Decarboxylase in Plasmodium falciparum
Charissma Leiah R. Ragasa ; Junie B. Billones
Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development 2019;23(4):1-11
Background:
Malaria remains to be one of the major health problems in tropical areas of the world. It puts at least one-third of the world population at risk of infection and afflicts over 200 million people worldwide, approximately 7000 of whom are Filipinos. In spite of available drugs, malarial chemotherapy is still
insufficient. The increased resistance of Plasmodium falciparum strains to existing antimalarial drugs prompts the discovery of new therapeutic agents for malaria.
Objective:
This study aimed to uncover, through molecular docking technique, new chemical entities that can
be developed as new drugs for malaria.
Methodology:
In this study, 2,527 approved and 5,755 experimental drugs from DrugBank and 4,687 natural compounds from Analyticon MEGx database were docked against Plasmodium falciparum aspartate transcarbamoylase (PfATC) and oritidine-5'-monophosphate decarboxylase (PfOMPDC), two key enzyme
targets involved in the de novo biosynthesis pathway of the pathogen.
Results:
A total of 39 compounds (1 approved drug, 19 experimental drugs, 19 natural products) had larger
binding energy (BE) values than the known ligands 2,3-naphthalenediol (BE = -7.0 kcal/mol) and uridine 5- PfATC
monophosphate (BEPfOMPDC = -9.0 kcal/mol). The top 3 hits were natural products: dihydrotrichotetronine (BEPfATC
= -21 kcal/mol, BE = -18 kcal/mol), ginkgolide A (BE = -19 kcal/mol, BE = -15 kcal/mol), and PfOMPDC PfATC PfOMPDC
ginkgolide C (BE = -16 kcal/mol, BE = -16 kcal/mol).
Conclusion
Based on calculated binding energy and ADMET properties, dihydrotrichotetronine, ginkgolide A,
and ginkgolide C are the best natural product candidates for further development as dual inhibitors for both
PfATC and PfOMPDC enzymes. Furthermore, myricetin (BE = -9 kcal/mol, BE = -10 kcal/mol) and PfATC PfOMPDC
tolcapone (BE = -9.1 kcal/mol, BE = -9.2 kcal/mol) may also be repurposed as anti-malarial drugs.
Malaria
7.Screening of bacteriophages against different genotypes of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from five hospitals in Cavite and Metro Manila, Philippines
Joel C. Cornista ; Janine L. Martin ; Janine M. Monzales ; Marilen P. Balolong
Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development 2019;23(4):26-38
Background:
Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) K. pneumoniae infections are emerging health problems in the Philippines. Recently, bacteriophages have been explored to target several antibiotic-resistant bacteria
as a potential alternative therapeutic option to conventional antibiotics.
Objectives:
This study isolated extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing K. pneumoniae harboring different β-lactamase genes to evaluate the host range specificity of isolated bacteriophages.
Methodology:
K. pneumoniae were isolated from five selected hospitals in Cavite and Metro Manila, Philippines and their ESBL-production was determined through the Phenotypic Confirmatory Disc Diffusion Test (PCDDT). The identity of the isolates was then confirmed by amplification and sequencing of the 16 rRNA gene. The type of β-lactamase genes carried by the K. pneumoniae ESBL-positive strains was detected by amplification of the bla , bla , bla and bla genes. Meanwhile, bacteriophages were isolated from CTX-M TEM SHV OXA-1 water samples in Marikina River and their host range specificity was tested against the different ESBLproducing K. pneumoniae strains.
Results:
From a total of 25 K. pneumoniae, 6 (24%) were found to be ESBL-producers by PCDDT. Genotyping of the β-lactamase genes showed that one of the phenotypically confirmed isolates contained the bla while CTX-M another possessed both the bla and bla genes. Furthermore, another isolate harbored the bla , bla , CTXM SHV CTX-M OXA-1 and bla genes while the remaining isolates contained all the four bla genes tested. Meanwhile, two virulent SHV phages namely, KP1 and KP2 that showed the largest clearing zones against K. pneumoniae were selected to determine their host range specificity against the different ESBL-positive K. pneumoniae strains. Both phages were able to infect and lyse all ESBL-positive K. pneumoniae regardless of the type or number of bla genes they possessed. Phage KP2, which showed the highest lytic capability, was then subjected to Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and was found to belong to the Order Caudovirales under the Family Myoviridae.
Conclusion
This study showed that phage KP2 was host-specific to the different ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae harboring single or multiple bla genes suggesting that it might hold a great potential for possible phage therapy against ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae infections.
Bacteriophages
;
Phage Therapy
8.Chelating effects of siderophore in reducing organ dysfunction caused by iron overload in ICR Mice
Thucydides L. Salunga ; Isabella R. Panelo ; Joel C. Cornista
Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development 2019;23(4):47-57
Background and Objectives:
Iron is an essential element that plays a vital role in a wide variety of cellular
processes. But when present in excess concentration in organs, it may increase the risk for liver disease, heart
failure, and diabetes. Recently, siderophores, which are iron-chelating agents produced by microorganisms,
have attracted tremendous attention because of their strong binding and high selectivity to the ferric form of
iron. Thus, the use of siderophore in sequestering excess iron in the body as a form of therapy is very attractive.
This study determined the effects of commercially available siderophore in sequestering excess iron in organs
such as liver, heart, and pancreas under excess iron conditions.
Methodology:
First, iron-overload was induced by injecting iron dextran (20 mg) into male ICR mice for three
consecutive days. The effects of iron to the liver, heart, and pancreas and the possible sequestration by
siderophore were determined by scoring histological sections. The liver iron concentration was also assessed
by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS).
Results and Conclusion
The study showed that iron-overloaded mice exhibited skin hyperpigmentation and
hemosiderosis in liver, heart, and pancreas. Significant changes in the liver include hepatomegaly and
development of tumor. Iron-overloaded mice had 2,935% increase in liver iron content compared to the salinetreated mice. However, when iron-overloaded mice were treated with either 100 µg or 200 µg siderophore,
there was a 77% and 84% decrease in liver iron content, respectively. Moreover, the treatment of ironoverloaded mice with siderophore prevented the development of hemosiderosis, tumor, and structural
changes in the tissues studied. The results showed that siderophore can effectively reduce excess iron and
organ damage in iron-overloaded mice and can be potentially employed in chelation therapy of iron-overload
diseases. Further studies on the possible mechanisms of siderophore aside from decreasing iron excess and
lowering organ dysfunction are recommended.
Siderophores
;
Iron Overload
;
Iron Chelating Agents
;
Hemosiderosis
;
Hepatomegaly
9.Molecular descriptors for drugs: A discriminant analysis
Liza T. Billones ; Alex C. Gonzaga ; Junie B. Billones
Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development 2019;23(4):58-64
Background:
The biological activity of a compound is assumed to be encoded in its chemical composition and
geometric structure, from which physico-chemical, electrotopological, and graph theory-derived properties
can be determined.
Objective:
This study aimed to identify the molecular descriptors derived from Dragon® 6 software that can
discriminate compounds as drug or nondrug
Methodology:
Over 4000 molecular properties were obtained for approximately 2000 known drugs and 2000
nondrugs on which Linear Discriminant Analysis was performed.
Results:
Compounds can be discriminated between drug and nondrug with 81% accuracy using only two
molecular descriptors, the information index HVcpx and the topological index MDDD.
Conclusion
A “Rule of Three” (HVcpx ≤ 3 and MDDD ≥ 30) seems to confer druglikeness in compounds. This
rule can be used as additional filter in high throughput screening of compounds in any drug discovery research.
Discriminant Analysis
;
Drug Discovery
10.Rethinking mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic; Proceedings of the Fourth Southeast Asia Mental Health Forum, 08-09 October 2020, Philippines
Carl Abelardo T. Antonio ; Amadeo A. Alinea, Jr ; Luzviminda S. Katigbak
Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development 2020;24(4):79-83
The COVID-19 pandemic has had pervasive effects on society at large, specifically disrupting routine and
established processes at the household, organizational, and community levels. The Philippine Psychiatric
Association organized the Fourth Southeast Asia Mental Health Forum to discuss issues and share
experiences on how this community can respond to the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Three common challenges for the mental health community were identified – (a) ensuring the continuity of
services for persons with psychiatric disorders in different settings; (b) preventing spread of COVID-19
infection in in-patient or residential mental health facilities; and (c) addressing the emergent demand for
mental health services from health workers and the general population experiencing psychological symptoms
because of the pandemic situation. In the face of these challenges, two broad groups of good practices and
innovations were conceptualized and implemented by professionals and institutions: (a) development of
alternative arrangements for the delivery of mental health services; and (b) mobilization of stakeholders and
resources to ensure whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches. The lessons and ideas that
emerged from the forum may find applicability not only in the next few months during which COVID-19 may
persist in our midst (i.e., the “new normal”), but also in other future events that may cause the same level of
societal impact and disruption.
Mental Health
;
COVID-19
;
Asia, Southeastern
;
Mental Health Services
;
Philippines