OBJECTIVES

This study determined the prevalence of BBD among toilet-trained children attending a tertiary hospital’s pediatric outpatient clinic, and to evaluate the effectiveness of standard urotherapy among affected children.

METHODS

A prospective interventional study was conducted among 144 toilet-trained children aged 7 to 12 years seen at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital outpatient clinic from August 2025 to September 2025. Sociodemographic data were collected, and BBD was screened using the validated Filipino version of the Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Scores (DVSS) questionnaire. Children with BBD underwent standard urotherapy, which included behavioral and lifestyle interventions such as timed voiding, adequate hydration, constipation management and proper voiding posture. DVSS assessments were repeated at two and four weeks.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of BBD was 22.9% (33 of 144). BBD was significantly more prevalent among females (31.88%) than males (14.67%) (adjusted OR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.28–6.86; p = 0.011). At baseline, children with BBD had significantly higher mean total DVSS scores (9.15 ± 3.64) compared to those without (2.01 ± 1.80, pCONCLUSION

Standard urotherapy proved effective in reducing symptom scores within two weeks and resulted in complete clinical resolution after four weeks among those who continued therapy. Routine screenings for BBD using DVSS and early initiation of standard urotherapy in pediatric outpatient settings are recommended to prevent complications and improve children’s urinary and bowel health.

Human ; Child: 6-12 Yrs Old ; World Health Organization ; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital ; Mass Screening ; Tertiary Care Centers ; Constipation ; Ambulatory Care Facilities

BACKGROUND

This study was inspired by the increasing cases of Diabetes Mellitus II (DM II) and the drive to strengthen early detection and intervention. The study specifically examined the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Risk Screening Form to detect DM and its potential as a cost-effective alternative to the standard screening criteria using Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) and 2-hour Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT).

METHODOLOGY

It utilized observational, cross sectional, descriptive, comparative design conducted among 269 hospital employees in a tertiary hospital. All participants were examined using the ADA Risk Screening Form and underwent standard test of FPG and 2-hour OGTT. Mean and standard deviation, frequency and percentage, and Mann-Whitney test were used in the treatment of data.

RESULTS

The clinicodemographic profile of the employees showed that most of the personnel belonged to age old (66.5%). Among the employees, 159 were females (66.5%) and 110 were males (59.1%). Additionally, most of the
personnel do not have hypertension (73.2%) and are physically active (56.1%) however most were noted to be overweight
(48.3%) and have family history of diabetes (45%). Furthermore, majority of the females did not have a history of gestational
diabetes mellitus (37.2%). The results revealed that most of the personnel were identified under decreased risk using the
ADA screening form and are non-diabetic (79.18%) using the laboratory test, whereas those pre-diabetic and diabetic
accounted 13.38% and 7.43% respectively. The results showed sensitivity of ADA Risk Screening Tool for DM Type 2
alongside the results of FPG and OGTT 30.4 and 25.7 respectively, specificity (87.3, 87.7), positive predictive value (38.6,
44.2), negative predictive value (82.7, 75.7), and accuracy (75.5, 70.6). Lastly, the results revealed that the use of ADA
screening tool showed no difference with the use of FPG with p-value of 0.095 and OGTT with p-value of 0.118.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Association ; Form ; Government ; Hospitals ; Mass Screening ; Occupational Groups ; Risk

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) remains the most common cause of death while cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is the third most common in the Philippines. IHD and CVD represent complications resulting from prevalent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and risk factors which present important opportunities for primary and secondary prevention.

This study aimed to pilot a sustainable multisectoral approach for community-based screening and management of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and determine the effects of a multisectoral collaboration approach on the rate of screening, prevalence and control rates for selected risk factors.

This is a quality improvement project that determines the baseline prevalence and control rates of CV risk factors followed by intense screening efforts with support from private partnerships. The project's core components are: (a) capacity building (b) information dissemination; (c) service provision; and (d) health monitoring. Rates of screening, prevalence and control were monitored over a two-year period.

A total of 94,125 patients were screened through the ONE Cavite Project over two years (January 2021 to December 2022). A total of 61,271 were newly identified as having hypertension (65.1%), 24,069 diagnosed with diabetes mellitus type 2 (25.6%), 29,257 diagnosed to have dyslipidemia (31.1%) and 13,204 smokers (14.0%) were identified.

Intensification of screening was successful in improving identification of individuals with NCDs. The impact of continued educational support for both providers and patients in this study reaffirmed its role as a central component of NCD diagnosis, management and prevention.

Hypertension ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Dyslipidemias ; Myocardial Ischemia ; Primary Prevention

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) remains the most common cause of death while cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is the third most common in the Philippines. IHD and CVD represent complications resulting from prevalent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and risk factors which present important opportunities for primary and secondary prevention.

This study aimed to pilot a sustainable multisectoral approach for community-based screening and management of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and determine the effects of a multisectoral collaboration approach on the rate of screening, prevalence and control rates for selected risk factors.

This is a quality improvement project that determines the baseline prevalence and control rates of CV risk factors followed by intense screening efforts with support from private partnerships. The project's core components are: (a) capacity building (b) information dissemination; (c) service provision; and (d) health monitoring. Rates of screening, prevalence and control were monitored over a two-year period.

A total of 94,125 patients were screened through the ONE Cavite Project over two years (January 2021 to December 2022). A total of 61,271 were newly identified as having hypertension (65.1%), 24,069 diagnosed with diabetes mellitus type 2 (25.6%), 29,257 diagnosed to have dyslipidemia (31.1%) and 13,204 smokers (14.0%) were identified.

Intensification of screening was successful in improving identification of individuals with NCDs. The impact of continued educational support for both providers and patients in this study reaffirmed its role as a central component of NCD diagnosis, management and prevention.

Hypertension ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Dyslipidemias ; Myocardial Ischemia ; Primary Prevention

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The Philippine Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases implemented health protocol guidelines to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Individuals with comorbidities were advised to take precautionary measures due to their increased vulnerability. This study aimed to assess the relationship between knowledge, acceptance, and adherence to health protocols among fully vaccinated individuals with comorbidities in the National Capital Region, Philippines.

METHODS

The study employed an explanatory-sequential mixed-method design. The quantitative phase involved an online survey with 384 respondents. The survey included questions on socio-demographic profile, COVID-19 knowledge, acceptability of health protocols, and adherence to preventive practices. Chi-square Test of Independence and Pearson’s Correlation Test were used to analyze the data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 participants, providing rich insights into their personal experiences. The interview transcripts were analyzed using Colaizzi’s descriptive method with the aid of qualitative analysis software (MAXQDA), ensuring a rigorous approach to thematic analysis. The integration of the two phases was achieved by connecting quantitative results with qualitative insights, creating a comprehensive understanding of the phenomena under study.

RESULTS

Findings showed that the relationship of sociodemographic characteristics and level of knowledge (Gender pCONCLUSION

The study suggests that multiple factors contribute to non-adherence to health protocols. Recognizing these holes and weaknesses in the COVID-19 pandemic response stresses the need for national leaders to place urgency on properly implementing preventive measures and providing health education to the masses during public health situations. Collaboration from all sectors is crucial in addressing public health crises. This study can be a valuable resource for future researchers, local government units, and policymakers in prioritizing public health care and pandemic preparedness.

Human ; Comorbidity ; Covid-19 ; Public Health Practice ; Vaccines

To develop biocontrol agents for the control of kiwifruit bacterial canker, we isolated a strain CXG2-5 with inhibitory activity against Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), the pathogen of kiwifruit bacterial canker, from the rhizosphere soil of kiwifruit by the plate confrontation test. The strain was identified by morphological observation, physiological and biochemical tests, and molecular biological methods. The indoor control efficacy of the strain was determined by the inoculation of the strain into detached branches with wounds and into leaf discs by vacuum infiltration. The ability of the strain to expand and colonize leaf veins was determined by fluorescent labeling and scanning electron microscopy. Subsequently, the strain was prepared into microcapsules, the field control efficacy of which was evaluated. The strain CXG2-5 was identified as Pseudomonas benzenivorans. It demonstrated good antagonistic activity against Psa, with an inhibition zone diameter of 22 mm and an inhibition rate of 72.7%. The preventive effects of the strain on kiwifruit bacterial canker were better than the therapeutic effects on both detached branches and leaves, with the preventive effects reaching 65% and 92.4%, respectively. The control effect of microcapsules of this strain in the field reached 60.89%, which was slightly lower than that of 20% kasugamycin and higher than that of Bacillus subtilis wettable powder. In conclusion, strain CXG2-5 serves as a candidate for the control of kiwifruit bacterial canker, and the prepared microcapsules have good value for development and application.
Actinidia/microbiology* ; Plant Diseases/prevention & control* ; Pseudomonas syringae ; Pseudomonas/isolation & purification* ; Capsules ; Antibiosis ; Biological Control Agents ; Pest Control, Biological/methods*

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium graminearum, not only leads to severe yield losses but also poses a threat to food safety due to the mycotoxins produced by the pathogen. Since this disease is preventable but not curable, the current control mainly relies on chemical fungicides, the long-term use of which may lead to pathogen resistance and environmental pollution. To develop green control methods, we screened 13 biocontrol strains from the rhizosphere soil of wheat, among which strain No. 12 (identified as Pythium aphanidermatum) showed significant antifungal effects. In the plate confrontation test, this strain reduced the colony diameter of the pathogen by 69.2% (1.47 mm vs. 4.78 mm in the control group), with an inhibition rate of 77% (P < 0.01). Microscopic observation revealed obvious deformations in the pathogen hyphae, suggesting a lysing effect. The coleoptile experiment further confirmed that the pre-treatment with this strain reduced the incidence rate to 0. These findings provide new candidate strains for the biocontrol of FHB and offer a scientific basis for reducing the use of chemical fungicides and promoting sustainable agricultural development.
Triticum/growth & development* ; Fusarium/growth & development* ; Plant Diseases/prevention & control* ; Soil Microbiology ; Pest Control, Biological/methods* ; Pythium/physiology* ; Biological Control Agents ; Rhizosphere ; Fungicides, Industrial

The five-year survival rate of gastric cancer in China is close to that in European and American countries but far lower than that in the Republic of Korea and Japan,which have established national gastric cancer screening systems.It is of great significance to build a high-quality gastric cancer screening system adaptive to China's national conditions.Due to the large number of people at risk of gastric cancer and uneven distribution of medical resources,it is still difficult for China to carry out a nationwide gastroscopy screening plan for gastric cancer.Gastric ultrasound,with painlessness,no radiation,and easy acceptance and popularization,could be used as one of the alternative methods for initial screening of gastric cancer.Based on two gastric ultrasound-related consensuses published in 2020,this consensus elaborates on the necessity,feasibility,and existing problems of conducting preliminary gastric cancer ultrasound screening in China by analyzing the gastric cancer screening strategies and the difficulties faced by nationwide gastric cancer screening.Furthermore,this consensus introduces the indications and contraindications of gastric ultrasound examination,requirements for the operator and the contrast agent,ultrasound standard section,essentials of scanning operations,and stomach ultrasound report and data system (Su-RADS) and proposes the relevant consensus opinions accordingly.After multiple rounds of discussions and voting by experts from multiple societies,a total of 17 consensus opinions have been formed on gastric ultrasound as a preliminary screening technique for gastric cancer,with the aim of standardizing the popularization of gastric ultrasound.In addition,the consensus calls for conducting nationwide multicenter prospective studies to improve the level of evidence and provide data support for the construction of a preliminary gastric cancer ultrasound screening system that is in line with China's national conditions.
Humans ; China ; Early Detection of Cancer/methods* ; Mass Screening ; Stomach/diagnostic imaging* ; Stomach Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVE: To explore the results of four types of Urea cycle disorders (UCDs) in newborns from the Xuzhou region, assess the efficacy of newborn screening by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), and analyze their genetic characteristics. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed using tandem mass spectrometry to screen for inherited metabolic disorders in 691 712 newborns at the Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Xuzhou from November 2015 to December 2023. Ten children (cases 1-10) were diagnosed with Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD), Carbamoylphosphate synthase 1 deficiency (CPS1D), Arginase deficiency (ARGD), and Argininosuccinate synthase deficiency (ASSD) based on MS/MS and genetic testing. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Xuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital (Ethics No.XZFY2024-051K-01J). RESULTS: A total of 691 712 neonates were screened for UCDs using MS/MS, which identified 1 237, 1 237, 510, and 1 009 initial positive cases for OTCD, CPS1D, ASSD, and ARGD, respectively. After genetic testing, 1 case of OTCD, 1 case of CPS1D, 1 case of ASSD, and 7 cases of ARGD were confirmed. The overall positive predictive value for these four UCDs was 0.362%. Among the 10 diagnosed UCD cases, four novel variants were identified, which included OTC: c.1024C>A (p.L342M) and ASS1: c.826A>G (p.M276V), c.695C>T (p.P232L) and c.694C>T (p.P232S). Bioinformatic analysis has rated these as variants of uncertain clinical significance or likely pathogenic based on guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). CONCLUSION The incidence of four UCDs in neonates from the Xuzhou area is relatively low, and there is a correlation between genetic variants and clinical phenotypes. For novel variants with uncertain clinical significance or suspected pathogenicity, their pathogenicity should be clarified in conjunction with clinical and biochemical indicators. The four novel pathogenic variants of UCDs identified in this study have enriched the mutational spectrum of UCDs-associated genes in the Xuzhou region.
Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods* ; Urea Cycle Disorders, Inborn/diagnosis* ; Neonatal Screening/methods* ; Genetic Testing/methods* ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Male ; Ornithine Carbamoyltransferase Deficiency Disease/diagnosis* ; Mutation ; Carbamoyl-Phosphate Synthase (Ammonia)/genetics* ; Ornithine Carbamoyltransferase/genetics*

In recognition of the morbidity and mortality associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (UNAIDS) aims to end the epidemic by setting and striving to achieve the ambitious 95-95-95 targets. However, Singapore is still not performing well in the first UNAIDS target. The National HIV Programme (NHIVP) developed this set of recommendations based on an adaptation of major international guidelines from the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The goals of this recommendation are: (1) to increase the uptake of HIV testing; (2) to allow earlier detection and identification of individuals with unrecognised HIV infection; (3) to facilitate linkage to clinical services; and (4) reduce further transmission of HIV infection in Singapore.
Humans ; Singapore/epidemiology* ; HIV Infections/epidemiology* ; United States ; HIV Testing ; Mass Screening ; World Health Organization ; Practice Guidelines as Topic ; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. ; National Health Programs