BACKGROUND

Continuing Medical Education (CME) serves as a cornerstone for maintaining clinical competence and improving patient care. In the Philippines, CME has become increasingly digital, with the UP Med Webinars emerging as a leading platform for physician education over the past decade. Despite this growth, there has been limited evaluation of how well these webinars align with national health priorities, particularly those reflected in PhilHealth hospital admissions and claims data, which provide insights into the country's disease burden and healthcare utilization patterns.

This study aimed to determine the extent to which the topics and reach of UP Med Webinars correspond with the Philippine health system’s most pressing clinical demands. Specifically, it aimed to analyze the trend in number of webinars by year; analyze the distribution of webinar topics by medical field; assess physician attendance as a proxy for clinical interest and engagement; evaluate the alignment between UP Med Webinar content and national health priorities based on PhilHealth’s top conditions, procedures, and reimbursed claims.

The study used a qualitative content analysis of all Continuing Professional Development (CPD)-accredited UP Med Webinars from 2015 to 2024, supported by descriptive statistics. Webinar titles were coded thematically and categorized by topic and medical field. Attendance figures were analyzed to identify high-demand topics. These results were compared with PhilHealth Claims Reports (2020–2024), focusing on the top reimbursed medical diagnoses and procedures, to assess alignment with disease burden and health service delivery trends. These findings can help inform strategic planning for CME programs to ensure they remain responsive to the country's evolving public health needs.

From 2015 to 2024, a total of 686 CPDaccredited UP Med Webinars were conducted, attended by 685,994 participants. The annual number of webinars and attendees steadily increased, peaking during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2022) with heightened demand for virtual CME and pandemic-related topics. Internal Medicine consistently emerged as the most frequently covered field, accounting for 54.1% of webinars and 48.8% of total attendance, followed by Obstetrics and Gynecology (14.4% of webinars; 19.6% of attendance) and Pharmacotherapeutics (6.0% of webinars; 6.9% of attendance). Certain fields, including COVID-19 and Psychiatry, attracted disproportionately high attendance despite fewer sessions, indicating strong interest during periods of public health urgency. The top 10 webinar topics included Diabetes, Pregnancy, Cancer, Hypertension, Reproductive Health, COVID-19, Heart Disease, Antimicrobial Treatment, Vertigo, and Vaccination, reflecting a mix of chronic disease management, maternal health, infectious diseases, and emergent health concerns.

Comparison with PhilHealth claims data (2020– 2024) revealed a high disease burden in Internal Medicine, Obstetrics, and Pediatrics, with top medical conditions including Pneumonia, Dengue, Hypertensive emergencies, and Stroke. These findings indicate a strong alignment between the most covered webinar topics and national healthcare utilization trends, particularly in high-burden clinical areas.

Findings suggest that the UP Med Webinars have generally aligned with national health priorities, as indicated by PhilHealth claims data, particularly in highburden fields such as Internal Medicine and Obstetrics. However, gaps in coverage for certain high-priority conditions and procedures point to opportunities for more inclusive and data-driven CME planning. Aligning CME content with evolving health system needs can enhance its relevance, support clinical practice improvements, and ultimately contribute to better population health outcomes in the Philippines.

Atherosclerosis is a primary cause of vascular disease worldwide, resulting in diverse clinical manifestations that contribute to significant morbidity and mortality. It is widely recognized as a multifactorial condition involving both metabolic and oxidative mechanisms.The initiation of atherosclerotic plaques arises from endothelial injury caused by excess lipid-carrying lipoproteins, which trigger an exaggerated pro-inflammatory response.This response is mediated by proteins such as galectin-3 (Gal-3), secreted by monocytes and macrophages, which stimulate and accelerate plaque formation. Because of its largely asymptomatic progression, atherosclerosis remains difficult to diagnose. In recent years, clinical and preclinical research on Gal-3 has expanded considerably, revealing elevated Gal-3 levels in patients with atheroma. Moreover, preclinical studies demonstrate that Gal-3 inhibition or gene suppression can effectively attenuate the development of atherosclerosis.These findings highlight the involvement of monocytes, macrophages, foam cells, and Gal-3 in the initiation and progression of the disease. Consequently, Gal-3 has emerged as a promising biomarker for endothelial dysfunction and other cardiovascular conditions.This review therefore summarizes current evidence on the role of Gal-3 in the pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of atherosclerosis, while also encouraging discussion of Gal-3 as a potential therapeutic strategy.

Background/Aims: Colorectal cancer prevention relies on surveillance colonoscopy, with the adenoma detection rate as a key factor in examination quality. Linked color imaging (LCI) enhances lesion contrast and improves the examination performance. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of LCI on adenoma detection rate in adults who underwent colonoscopy. Methods: We searched the Medline, PubMed, BIREME, LILACS, and Scientific Electronic Library Online databases for randomized controlled trials comparing the use of LCI versus white light imaging (WLI), published up to March 2023. The outcomes included lesion characteristics, number of adenomas per patient, and the additional polyp detection rate. Results: Sixteen studies were included in the analysis, which showed that LCI was more accurate than WLI in detecting adenomas, with an increased number of adenomas detected per patient. Although LCI performed well in terms of lesion size, morphology, and location, the subgroup analyses did not reveal any statistically significant differences between LCI and WLI. The addition of LCI did not result in significant improvements in the detection of serrated lesions, and there were no differences in the withdrawal time between groups. Conclusions LCI has been shown to be effective in detecting colonic lesions, improving the number of adenomas detected per patient and improving polyp detection rate without negatively affecting other quality criteria in colonoscopy.

Background: Penile Cancer is a rare and aggressive disease. Related to complex metabolic processes. Objective: This study investigates the effectiveness ­of 18F-FDG PET/CT as a noninvasive method in evaluating penile cancer patients, focusing on the correlation between tissue expression of key tumor markers involved in glucose metabolism and proliferation, and the uptake of 18F-FDG. Methods: Fifty-one patients were selected and underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT-based staging. Semiquantitative analysis wasperformed using the maximum standardized uptake value ­(SUVmax ) and volumetric SUV ­(SUV2SD ). Tissue expressionanalysis of GLUT-1, hexokinase-II, Ki67, p16, and p53 was performed by tissue microarray. PCR evaluated HPV DNA. Results: Warty SCC showed the highest SUV value and significant differences in ­SUVmax (p=0.015). Higher ­SUVmax and SUV2SD values were observed in grade 3 tumors. In typical invasive SCC, grade 3, HPV+, p16-negative, p53-negative,GLUT-1 i-3, and HK-II i-3 tumors showed a higher mean SUV. The Ki-67 value significantly differed for grade 3 tumors (p=0.001) and HK-II i-1 tumors (p=0.036). Ki-67 positivity was also higher in HPV-, p16 i-2, p53 i-3, and GLUT-1 i-3 tumors; none of the differences were statistically significant. Conclusions The study highlights correlations between the uptake of 18F-FDG and the expression of markers associated with glycolytic metabolism in penile cancer. It suggests a potential trend where increased expression of glucose transport markers is linked to higher histological grades and Ki-67 expression. There were no significant differences regarding HPV positivity, demonstrating the complexity of penile cancer molecular biology and need more studies with a higher number of patients.

Objective: To study the influence of bracket base meshes on shear bond strength and observe them using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after debonding. Methods: Ninety brackets were divided into nine groups of 10 samples each: G1-Alexander, G2-Mini Sprint® Brackets, G3-In-Ovation R CCO,  G4-Gemini SL Self-Ligating Bracket, G5-Classic mini 2G Stylus® , G6-Gemini Metal Brackets, G7-ClarityTM Advanced, G8-Crystall-Ize® , and G9-Ceramic Series Flexx 2G® . Groups G1 to G6 and G7 to G9 consisted of metallic and aesthetic brackets, respectively. Initial photographs of all brackets were taken through SEM at 25X magnification. The brackets were then bonded to premolars using TransbondTM XT, and a shear bond strength test was conducted after 24 hours using an Instron machine at 1 mm/min. After debonding, the bracket meshes were observed using SEM. Results: Before bonding, 72.22% of brackets didn’t present mesh defects, while 27.77% did. SEM analysis revealed that G4 and G5 presented defects in 100%, G7 in 40%, and G8 in 10%. The average shear bond strength of 9.67 ± 2.84 MPa and 11.21 ± 4.99 MPa were obtained for both metallic and aesthetic brackets, respectively. A Pairwise–Wilcoxon test with Benjamini–Hochberg correction was conducted to determine specific statistical differences between the groups, revealing significant differences based on bracket type and shear bond strength (P < 0.009). Conclusions This study suggested that the shape of bracket meshes influenced shear bond strength.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

COVID-19 contributes significantly to global morbidity and mortality. Age-related comorbidities elevate the risk of severe cases. Studies have recently demonstrated that widely available medications, including tocilizumab (TCZ), can manage severe symptoms. However, its effectiveness is unclear, particularly among the older population. Therefore, this review aimed to evaluate TCZ’s efficacy in managing severe pneumonia in individuals aged 50 and older.

We systematically search several databases and gray literature including Web of Science, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, SocINDEX, CENTRAL/Cochrane Library, PubMed/MEDLINE for original research articles in English across several study designs published in the year 2020-2022. A narrative synthesis was conducted to summarize the evidence. We employed the NIH quality assessment tool for observational cohort studies to evaluate risk of bias. Additionally, we utilized GRADE to appraise the certainty of evidence.

Among 539 screened articles, only five studies met the selection criteria. Tocilizumab's impact on severe COVID-19 pneumonia revealed a diverse effect on mortality rate, with 29% in the TCZ group, and 40% in the controls died within 30 days of intubation (OR 0.61; 95% CI, 0.27-1.36). It is also reported that TCZ was not associated with mortality, despite faster decline in pulmonary function and prolonged fever. Hospital mortality in the TCZ group was significantly lower than in the controls, and age over 60 was the only significant risk factor. Moreover, administering TCZ reduced mechanical ventilation needs, with 82% extubated compared to 53% in controls. However, 45% in TCZ group was associated with a higher ventilator-associated pneumonia rate than in the untreated group which was 20% (P CONCLUSIONS

The effects of tocilizumab on reducing mortality risk and improving the survival rate of COVID-19 patients with pneumonia remained inconclusive. Yet, the majority of results suggested that giving tocilizumab leads to shorter hospital stays, lowers the requirement for mechanical ventilation, and decreases the likelihood of ICU transfer. Tocilizumab is linked to the incidence of secondary infections; hence, this medication should be closely monitored for side effects.

Background: Penile Cancer is a rare and aggressive disease. Related to complex metabolic processes. Objective: This study investigates the effectiveness ­of 18F-FDG PET/CT as a noninvasive method in evaluating penile cancer patients, focusing on the correlation between tissue expression of key tumor markers involved in glucose metabolism and proliferation, and the uptake of 18F-FDG. Methods: Fifty-one patients were selected and underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT-based staging. Semiquantitative analysis wasperformed using the maximum standardized uptake value ­(SUVmax ) and volumetric SUV ­(SUV2SD ). Tissue expressionanalysis of GLUT-1, hexokinase-II, Ki67, p16, and p53 was performed by tissue microarray. PCR evaluated HPV DNA. Results: Warty SCC showed the highest SUV value and significant differences in ­SUVmax (p=0.015). Higher ­SUVmax and SUV2SD values were observed in grade 3 tumors. In typical invasive SCC, grade 3, HPV+, p16-negative, p53-negative,GLUT-1 i-3, and HK-II i-3 tumors showed a higher mean SUV. The Ki-67 value significantly differed for grade 3 tumors (p=0.001) and HK-II i-1 tumors (p=0.036). Ki-67 positivity was also higher in HPV-, p16 i-2, p53 i-3, and GLUT-1 i-3 tumors; none of the differences were statistically significant. Conclusions The study highlights correlations between the uptake of 18F-FDG and the expression of markers associated with glycolytic metabolism in penile cancer. It suggests a potential trend where increased expression of glucose transport markers is linked to higher histological grades and Ki-67 expression. There were no significant differences regarding HPV positivity, demonstrating the complexity of penile cancer molecular biology and need more studies with a higher number of patients.

Objective: To study the influence of bracket base meshes on shear bond strength and observe them using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after debonding. Methods: Ninety brackets were divided into nine groups of 10 samples each: G1-Alexander, G2-Mini Sprint® Brackets, G3-In-Ovation R CCO,  G4-Gemini SL Self-Ligating Bracket, G5-Classic mini 2G Stylus® , G6-Gemini Metal Brackets, G7-ClarityTM Advanced, G8-Crystall-Ize® , and G9-Ceramic Series Flexx 2G® . Groups G1 to G6 and G7 to G9 consisted of metallic and aesthetic brackets, respectively. Initial photographs of all brackets were taken through SEM at 25X magnification. The brackets were then bonded to premolars using TransbondTM XT, and a shear bond strength test was conducted after 24 hours using an Instron machine at 1 mm/min. After debonding, the bracket meshes were observed using SEM. Results: Before bonding, 72.22% of brackets didn’t present mesh defects, while 27.77% did. SEM analysis revealed that G4 and G5 presented defects in 100%, G7 in 40%, and G8 in 10%. The average shear bond strength of 9.67 ± 2.84 MPa and 11.21 ± 4.99 MPa were obtained for both metallic and aesthetic brackets, respectively. A Pairwise–Wilcoxon test with Benjamini–Hochberg correction was conducted to determine specific statistical differences between the groups, revealing significant differences based on bracket type and shear bond strength (P < 0.009). Conclusions This study suggested that the shape of bracket meshes influenced shear bond strength.

Objective: To study the influence of bracket base meshes on shear bond strength and observe them using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after debonding. Methods: Ninety brackets were divided into nine groups of 10 samples each: G1-Alexander, G2-Mini Sprint® Brackets, G3-In-Ovation R CCO,  G4-Gemini SL Self-Ligating Bracket, G5-Classic mini 2G Stylus® , G6-Gemini Metal Brackets, G7-ClarityTM Advanced, G8-Crystall-Ize® , and G9-Ceramic Series Flexx 2G® . Groups G1 to G6 and G7 to G9 consisted of metallic and aesthetic brackets, respectively. Initial photographs of all brackets were taken through SEM at 25X magnification. The brackets were then bonded to premolars using TransbondTM XT, and a shear bond strength test was conducted after 24 hours using an Instron machine at 1 mm/min. After debonding, the bracket meshes were observed using SEM. Results: Before bonding, 72.22% of brackets didn’t present mesh defects, while 27.77% did. SEM analysis revealed that G4 and G5 presented defects in 100%, G7 in 40%, and G8 in 10%. The average shear bond strength of 9.67 ± 2.84 MPa and 11.21 ± 4.99 MPa were obtained for both metallic and aesthetic brackets, respectively. A Pairwise–Wilcoxon test with Benjamini–Hochberg correction was conducted to determine specific statistical differences between the groups, revealing significant differences based on bracket type and shear bond strength (P < 0.009). Conclusions This study suggested that the shape of bracket meshes influenced shear bond strength.