OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the potential anti-angiogenic effects of acetone extracts from Annona squamosa leaves in vivo.

METHODS

Crude acetone extract of A. squamosa leaves was prepared via simple maceration. Physicochemical and phytochemical screening of the extract were also performed. The anti-angiogenic effect of A. squamosa was assessed using in vivo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay, with quantitative analysis performed using ImageJ software (U. S. National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA). The eggs were treated with 1000 ppm, 500 ppm, and 250 ppm doses of the extract. Quercetin was utilized as the positive control while distilled water was used as the negative control.

RESULTS

The results of the study showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic compounds in the leaves of A. squamosa. CAM assay revealed a significant (PCONCLUSION

The acetone extract of A. squamosa leaves possesses anti-angiogenic properties in vivo, suggesting its potential for developing anti-angiogenic agents. Further research to identify and isolate the specific bioactive compounds responsible for this activity is recommended.

Plants ; Alkaloids ; Flavonoids ; Phytochemicals

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The in vitro bioequivalence assessment using a dissolution apparatus, as specified by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), is a critical parameter in the formulation and development of generic pharmaceutical products. This study is crucial for evaluating the interchangeability of generic drugs with their reference innovator counterparts. Post-market surveillance of generic drugs ensures consistent quality after distribution in the market. Metformin hydrochloride, a widely prescribed oral hypoglycemic agent for managing type 2 diabetes, is among the most utilized medications globally.

In the Philippines, there is a growing need to assess the bioequivalence of various generic formulations of metformin HCl f ilm coated tablets to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates in vivo or in vitro bioequivalence including, dissolution profile comparison, as a prerequisite for the registration of generic drugs. This study aims to evaluate the quality and in vitro bioequivalence of metformin HCl f ilm-coated tablets available in the Philippine market by comparing their dissolution profiles against the innovator, Glucophage. This research seeks to provide insights into the interchangeability, therapeutic equivalence, and overall quality of these generic formulations, thus contributing to public health and regulatory standards.

METHODS

Generic metformin HCl film-coated tablets were subjected to quality control tests, including weight variation, thickness and diameter, hardness, friability, and disintegration tests, in accordance with USP guidelines. To assess in vitro bioequivalence, dissolution testing was performed, and the concentration of the dissolved drug was determined using a microplate assay reader to measure absorbance. Dissolution profiles of the generic metformin HCl film-coated tablets were compared to that of the innovator drug, Glucophage to evaluate bioequivalence.

RESULTS

All tested generic metformin HCl film-coated tablets complied with USP specifications for quality control tests, except for the hardness test, where three brands failed to meet the required standards. While for dissolution testing, five out of six generic brands demonstrated acceptable dissolution profiles and were bioequivalent to the innovator drug Glucophage. However, one brand (Brand A) failed to meet the bioequivalence criteria, exhibiting a dissolution profile outside the acceptable limits.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that most generic metformin HCl film-coated tablets available in the Philippine market meet the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) quality control requirements and exhibit in vitro bioequivalence with the innovator drug. However, the failure of three brands to meet the hardness specifications and the lack of bioequivalence in one brand highlight the need for stringent quality assurance and  regulatory oversight. Ensuring compliance with these standards is critical to maintaining the safety, efficacy, and therapeutic interchangeability of generic drugs. These findings emphasize the importance of continuous post-market surveillance to uphold the quality of generic medications in the market, to safeguard public health.

Metformin Hydrochloride ; Metformin

Purulent pericarditis is a rare occurrence in the era of modern antibiotics. It is most often caused by organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Viridans streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae and anaerobic bacteria with Streptococcus pyogenes (S.pyogenes) being a possible, though very uncommon etiology. This case represents an occurrence of S. pyogenes pericarditis in an apparently healthy female with no known immunocompromising condition. A 37-year-old female, married, real estate agent with no comorbidities came in for chest pain radiating to the upper back, relieved with leaning forward. Cardiac biomarker was normal, ECG demonstrated diffuse ST-segment elevation and PR segment depression, while imaging showed lobar pneumonia. Blood tests showed leukocytosis with neutrophilic predominance and workup for immunocompromised state was negative. The 2D echo showed large pericardial effusion with tamponade physiology. An urgent pericardiocentesis was done. Cultures grew Streptococcus pyogenes confirming the diagnosis of acute purulent pericarditis. Daily drainage of pericardial effusion, colchicine, ibuprofen was initiated together with antibiotics and the patient had resolution of pericardial effusion. Acute pyogenic pericarditis with cardiac tamponade is a rare but serious condition that requires prompt recognition and intervention. Early diagnosis, through a combination of clinical suspicion, ECG and echocardiography is crucial for initiating timely treatment.

Human ; Female ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Viridans Streptococci ; Streptococcus Pyogenes ; Streptococcus Pneumoniae ; Staphylococcus Aureus ; Streptococcal Infections ; Electrocardiography ; Echocardiography ; Early Diagnosis

Human ; Students ; Schools ; Occupational Therapists

Human ; Infant, Premature ; Infant

Effective communication between parents and occupational therapists (OTs) is central to family-centered care in Filipino pediatric practice; unclear expectations, power differentials, and unaddressed cultural dynamics often hinder collaboration. This paper aims to develop a culturally grounded conceptual framework that identifies and illustrates the dynamics of parent–OT communication supporting reflective, strengths-based, and context-sensitive collaboration in Filipino pediatric OT. It was developed through an iterative process that included clinical reflection, extensive literature review, and iterative consultation with mentors and reviewers. The framework integrates the ideas of the Kawa model, Two-Way Communication model, Sikolohiyang Filipino concepts of loob–labas–kapwa, the Double Empathy Problem, and the Strengths-Based approach. Communication elements (sender–receiver roles, message, feedback, medium, and noise) are situated within three cultural–relational spheres (inner self, shared understanding, and sociocultural context) to explain how messages are produced, interpreted, and sustained over time. The framework offers a culturally grounded lens and reflective tool for OTs seeking to strengthen therapeutic partnerships with Filipino families, while highlighting the need for empirical validation, multi-caregiver applications, and co-designed refinements with parents and neurodivergent adults.

Human ; Communication ; Caregivers ; Noise ; Occupational Therapists ; Power, Psychological ; Referral And Consultation

Background: Health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) is a critical consideration in glioma surgery,alongside improving patient survival. Current evidence highlights maximal surgical resection as a key independent prognostic factor for enhancing HR-QoL and survivability. This study aimed to compare the impact on HR-QoL and survival rates in glioma patients before and after surgery with varying degrees of tumor resection (<10%, 10%–90%, >90%) and residual tumor volumes (≤2 cm 3 , >2 cm 3 ). Methods: This single-institution prospective study analyzed 117 patients with newly diagnosedgliomas (2009–2015). HR-QoL was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) (global quality of life status [GQLS], physical, emotional, role, cognitive, and social function, as well as insomnia and fatigue).We compared survival rates and HR-QoL outcomes based on extent of resection and residual tumor volume. Clinically meaningful thresholds and statistical significance were used to evaluate HR-QoL changes. Results: In grade 4 gliomas, resections >90% and residual tumor volumes ≤2 cm 3 significantlyimproved median survival compared to lesser resections. For HR-QoL, resections >90% led to clinically and statistically significant improvements in GQLS, emotional, role, and cognitive function, as well as insomnia. Residual volumes ≤2 cm 3 significantly enhanced emotional and role function, with statistical improvements in GQLS, cognitive function, social function, insomnia, and fatigue. Lower resection rates and higher residual volumes resulted in significant HR-QoL declines. When stratified by tumor grade, high- and low-grade gliomas showed clinically significant improvements in different HR-QoL domains. Conclusion Resections greater than 90% and residual volumes ≤2 cm 3 significantly improve HR-QoL and overall survival. Conversely, partial resections and larger residual tumor volumes are associated with worse HR-QoL outcomes.

INTRODUCTION

Coronary artery disease remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Although advances in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and stent technology have improved outcomes, in-stent restenosis (ISR) persists as a significant challenge contributing to repeat revascularization, rehospitalization, increased healthcare costs and adverse outcomes.

METHODOLOGY

A single-center retrospective cohort study reviewed medical records from January 2021 to December 2024 to determine the incidence, risk factors and clinical outcomes associated with ISR.

RESULTS

Among 200 patients, ISR occurred in 58 (29%). Factors significantly associated with ISR included hypertension (p = 0.048), smaller stent diameter (OR=0.23, pCONCLUSION

ISR remains a substantial and multifactorial clinical burden highlighting the need for vigilant post-PCI surveillance, aggressive risk factor management and individualized interventional strategies—including optimal stent sizing, lesion preparation and adjunctive imaging use—to reduce restenosis risk and improve long-term outcomes.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Coronary Artery Disease ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Drug-eluting Stents ; Stents

INTRODUCTION

Coronary artery disease remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Although advances in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and stent technology have improved outcomes, in-stent restenosis (ISR) persists as a significant challenge contributing to repeat revascularization, rehospitalization, increased healthcare costs and adverse outcomes.

METHODOLOGY

A single-center retrospective cohort study reviewed medical records from January 2021 to December 2024 to determine the incidence, risk factors and clinical outcomes associated with ISR.

RESULTS

Among 200 patients, ISR occurred in 58 (29%). Factors significantly associated with ISR included hypertension (p = 0.048), smaller stent diameter (OR=0.23, pCONCLUSION

ISR remains a substantial and multifactorial clinical burden highlighting the need for vigilant post-PCI surveillance, aggressive risk factor management and individualized interventional strategies—including optimal stent sizing, lesion preparation and adjunctive imaging use—to reduce restenosis risk and improve long-term outcomes.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Coronary Artery Disease ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Drug-eluting Stents ; Stents

Child abuse is a widespread global health crisis with longterm implications for children’s physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. Pediatric emergency departments (PEDs) are often the first point of contact for children experiencing abuse, presenting unique diagnostic challenges due to the diverse manifestations of maltreatment. In contrast to physical abuse that often leaves visible markers, nonphysical abuse (e.g., emotional neglect or psychological harm) frequently go undetected, exacerbating underreporting and delayed interventions. This article examines the prevalence, diagnostic challenges, and multidisciplinary strategies for addressing child maltreatment in PEDs. Cultural and systemic barriers, coupled with insufficient training and resource constraints, hinder the recognition of subtle signs of nonphysical abuse. Advances in diagnostic imaging, behavioral assessment tools, and laboratory investigations are discussed as critical components of comprehensive evaluations. Multidisciplinary teams play a pivotal role in addressing the complexity of abuse cases, combining medical, psychological, and legal expertise to provide holistic care while minimizing additional trauma. The integration of artificial intelligence into diagnostic workflows is explored as a transformative innovation, offering potential for early detection of abuse patterns and enhanced decision-making. However, the implementation of artificial intelligence requires careful consideration to ensure that it complements human expertise and aligns with ethical standards. There is a need for standardized protocols, targeted training programs, and supportive systems to empower healthcare professionals in recognizing and reporting all forms of child maltreatment. We propose more research to develop tools capable of detecting nonphysical abuse in PEDs. By combining technological advancements, multidisciplinary collaboration, and educational initiatives, PEDs can improve outcomes for vulnerable children and address the widespread issue of child maltreatment more effectively.