Ischemic stroke is a cerebrovascular disease with high incidence and disability rates. Non-coding RNAs， as important regulatory factors for gene expression， play a key role in the development and progression of ischemic stroke， but their specific mechanisms of action remain unclear. This article systematically reviews the expression characteristics and regulatory roles of microRNAs， long non-coding RNAs， and circular RNAs in ischemic stroke and reveals the pathophysiological mechanisms of non-coding RNAs in ischemic injury by regulating the processes of cell apoptosis and autophagy， inflammatory response， blood-brain barrier integrity， and neuroregeneration. In addition， non-coding RNAs have shown the potential as biomarkers for the prediction， diagnosis， and prognostic evaluation of ischemic stroke. This article also analyzes the limitations of current research and proposes future research directions， so as to provide a theoretical foundation for exploring the mechanism of action of non-coding RNAs in ischemic stroke and developing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Review

Valacyclovir-associated neurotoxicity (VAN) is a recognized adverse effect in elderly patients with renal impairment but remains underdiagnosed due to its nonspecific presentation and overlap with acute neurologic emergencies. We report a 78-year-old Filipino female with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis who developed acute disorientation, agitation, vivid visual hallucinations and generalized weakness shortly after initiation of valacyclovir for herpes zoster. Given the abrupt onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms, viral encephalitis was initially considered. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed no evidence of acute infarction or encephalitis, while electroencephalography demonstrated diffuse generalized slowing consistent with an encephalopathic process. Review of the medication history revealed valacyclovir dosing that exceeded recommendations for patients with end-stage renal disease. Valacyclovir was discontinued and emergent hemodialysis was initiated resulting in marked improvement in sensorium after the second session and complete resolution of symptoms after the third. This case shows VAN as an important diagnostic mimic of acute encephalopathy in elderly patients with renal failure and emphasizes the critical role of early medication review in preventing unnecessary investigations and enabling prompt, reversible management.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) ranks 11th in cancer incidence and mortality in the Philippines with the combination chemotherapy composed of Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, and Prednisone (CHOP) being commonly used as treatment. However, the addition of Rituximab to CHOP (R-CHOP) has been shown to exhibit higher response rates and longer remissions, potentially improving quality of life. Currently, there is conflicting evidence on the cost-utility of CHOP versus R-CHOP. The study aimed to describe the patient- and country-specific factors, and treatment modalities used for NHL and systematically review cost-utility evidence of R-CHOP versus CHOP in adult NHL patients.

A systematic literature search of cost-utility studies on R-CHOP versus CHOP for NHL treatment was performed on eight databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOHost, Cochrane, York Research Database, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination Database, and HERDIN, where 607 studies were identified. Upon screening using an eligibility criteria, 10 studies were included and critically assessed using four appraisal tools: CHEERS, Drummond, Cooper, and ECOBIAS. These were performed independently by two authors with a third author assisting to help reach a consensus.

All studies from high-income countries (HICs) (n=8) and low-middle-income country (LMIC) (n=1) suggested that R-CHOP was more cost-effective for NHL treatment than CHOP in terms of utility outcomes. The study conducted in a low-income country (LIC) (n=1) suggested the opposite, favoring CHOP over R-CHOP. Methodological differences such as perspective, discount rate, willingness-to-pay (WTP), time horizon, and economic model were observed. Methodological limitations include completeness of data reported and credibility of sources used.

The results of this review shall be interpreted with caution as those favoring R-CHOP over CHOP for NHL treatment in terms of cost-utility were concentrated in HICs. More economic evaluations from LICs, LMICs, and upper-middle income countries (UMICs) are needed for a robust conclusion. Additionally, establishing a universally recognized guideline for economic evaluations is essential to guide researchers effectively.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Staphylococcus aureus poses a significant public health threat globally, where both community and hospital-acquired infections are prevalent. The escalating antimicrobial resistance highlights the urgent need for alternative therapies. Hence, traditional medicine using plant extracts offers a potential avenue for novel antibacterial agents. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the existing literature on the antibacterial properties of Philippine plants against S. aureus to provide focus on drug development of a plant-derived antibacterial for this pathogen.

Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS, and Herdin databases. Inclusion criteria encompassed in-vitro studies evaluating the antibacterial activity of crude plant extracts sourced from Philippines plants against S. aureus. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers, with discrepancies resolved by the third and fourth reviewers.

Of the 413 initial studies identified, nine (9) met the eligibility criteria. The highest zone of inhibition was demonstrated by Lippia micromera L. leaf essential oil at 26.3±1.5 mm, while moderate antibacterial activity was shown by essential oils from Alpinia elegans, Piper quinqueangulatum, and Alpinia cumingii at MIC values of 512 µg/mL, 512 µg/mL, and 1,024 µg/mL, respectively. Other Philippine plants showed a wide range of activity, with MIC values between 50 ?g/mL and 25 mg/mL, MBC values from 78 to 5000 ?g/mL, and ZOI ranging from 5 to 38 mm. However, the overall quality of evidence in these other studies are compromised by bias and incomplete reporting.

Leaf essential oils from Alpinia elegans, Piper quinqueangulatum, and Alpinia cumingii demonstrated moderate antibacterial activity against S. aureus. Additionally, the essential oils of Lippia micromera L., Plectranthus amboinicus Lour. Spreng, and Cymbopogon citratus exhibited antibacterial activity against both S. aureus and Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in disk diffusion assays. Majority of the studies gathered had high risk of bias according to the quality assessment criteria tool used in the study. Thus, this systematic review also emphasizes the need for improved methodological rigor on reported in-vitro antibacterial studies.

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, including hypertensive disorders, caesarean delivery, macrosomia, and increased lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes. Despite its clinical importance, considerable international variation exists in GDM screening and diagnostic criteria. Multiple frameworks are currently used, including those from the World Health Organization (WHO), International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups, Carpenter and Coustan, and the National Diabetes Data Group. Differences in glucose thresholds, testing protocols (one-step versus two-step), and universal versus risk-based screening contribute to heterogeneity in reported prevalence and healthcare burden. In multi-ethnic, middle-income settings such as Malaysia, identifying an evidence-informed and contextappropriate diagnostic approach is critical. Methodology: This scoping review follows the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and will be reported in accordance with the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect will be searched for English-language studies, reviews, guidelines, and consensus statements reporting GDM diagnostic criteria. Two reviewers will independently screen and select studies. Results: Data will be charted on country, study type, diagnostic criteria, gestational age at screening, and reported challenges. Findings will be synthesized descriptively and presented in tables and figures. No formal risk-of-bias assessment will be conducted. Conclusion This review will provide a comprehensive overview of global diagnostic practices, highlight variations and gaps, and support evidence-based selection of a suitable GDM screening and diagnostic strategy for Malaysia.
Diabetes, Gestational ; Malaysia ; Policy ; Review Literature as Topic

Scientific publishing faces growing challenges from rapid technological change, artificial intelligence (AI), research integrity concerns, and resource limitations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Editors, authors, and peer reviewers must navigate increasingly complex editorial requirements while operating within constrained institutional and financial environments. The emergence of AI-generated content and fabricated citations further threatens scholarly integrity and adds to editorial burdens. The unique challenges confronting regional journals necessitate strengthening editorial capacity, ethical governance, reviewer competency, and requires collaborative effort to sustain scientific publication that is relevant to the region.

Scientific publishing faces growing challenges from rapid technological change, artificial intelligence (AI), research integrity concerns, and resource limitations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Editors, authors, and peer reviewers must navigate increasingly complex editorial requirements while operating within constrained institutional and financial environments. The emergence of AI-generated content and fabricated citations further threatens scholarly integrity and adds to editorial burdens. The unique challenges confronting regional journals necessitate strengthening editorial capacity, ethical governance, reviewer competency, and requires collaborative effort to sustain scientific publication that is relevant to the region.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to synthesize existing literature on nursing informatics (NI) and propose updates to the Philippine Nursing Informatics curriculum that embrace current trends and integrate a globally acknowledged framework.

A literature search was conducted on PubMed and ScienceDirect. This search identified 79 articles, of which only eight met the inclusion criteria. The Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform (TIGER) initiative provided the framework for analyzing the literature review outcomes and for developing the revised course structure for the Nursing Informatics (NI) curriculum in the Philippines.

The revised course outline incorporated 31 topics across the six domains outlined by the TIGER framework. Upon comparison, it was found that numerous topics identified were absent from the existing NI curriculum in the Philippines. Key subjects identified for inclusion encompass research, examination of standards and terminologies, application in community health, cybersecurity, project management, and advocacy. These areas hold particular relevance for the Philippines, attributed to the limited recognition of NI and the ongoing advancements related to technological applications in healthcare.

The nursing informatics curriculum in the Philippines is not up to date, failing to align with global NI standards. It is recommended that a thorough revision and enhancement be undertaken to ensure alignment with international frameworks and current industry practices.

Human ; Primary Health Care ; Review

BACKGROUND

Globally, cancer remains to be one of the leading causes of mortality and poses significant burden to patients and families. A growing body of evidence suggests that early palliative care results in more favorable patient and caregiver outcomes compared to standard oncology care alone. 

This study aims to determine the effects of early palliative care on caregivers of adult cancer patients in terms of quality of life, psychological distress, and satisfaction with care. 

Systematic database searches in PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane library and Clinicaltrials.gov registry was conducted to select eligible studies for this review. Keywords, limit fields and Boolean operators were used for the search. Qualitative and quantitative analyses through the Review manager 5.4 software were done to compare quality of life, psychological distress, and satisfaction with care among caregivers given early palliative care vs. caregivers given standard oncology care. 

This review revealed inconclusive evidence on the benefits of early palliative care on caregiver outcomes when compared to standard care. We reviewed outcomes of early palliative care including quality of life, psychological distress, and satisfaction with care, but evidence remains unclear due to paucity of studies. Larger, high-caliber trials with more robust evidences, refinement of measurement tools catered to caregivers with higher sensitivity, and standardization of EPC protocol are needed to detect effect of EPC.