Philippine Journal of Science最新文献

{"title":"Full Genome and Individual Gene Analysis for Evolutionary Patterns of Locally Circulating Rabies Virus in Davao City","authors":"S. G. Buenaventura, Christian C Labrador, M. Bacus, M. N. Eng, Arlene Lagare, Gloria Márquez, L. A. Murao","doi":"10.56899/152.03.03","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.56899/152.03.03","url":null,"abstract":"Disease surveillance remains a challenge in the Philippines due to its limited resources. Integration of genomic-based surveillance in the National Rabies Control Program provides additional insights into rabies virus (RABV) evolution and transmission dynamics and can, therefore, inform public health decisions. This pilot study used the previously reported 49 RABV sequences in Davao City and some neighboring provinces to evaluate the utility of targeted sequencing as an inexpensive alternative to whole genome sequencing. We applied different tree distance metrics to compare RABV whole genome (WG) and individual RABV genes. Phylogenetic trees reconstructed using IQTree2 and BEAST were used to compare differences in phylogenetic signals, tree topology, and evolutionary patterns. There were no significant differences in the phylogenetic signals of the three major clades in the trees, with strong support values for sampling variance and underlying variances at the gene and site levels. A comparison of the Bayesian phylogenetic tree of WG and individual genes showed that there were no significant differences in the substitution rate and divergence time. Moreover, patristic distances (PDs) of all individual gene trees were positively correlated and congruent to the RABV WG of identical strains, with correlation values above 99%, which ruled out the possibility of missing out on relevant findings on evolutionary dynamics using only individual genes. Based on the results of our detailed genetic analyses, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L) and phosphoprotein (P) segments were identified as the best biomarkers to investigate the evolutionary analysis of locally circulating RABV variants in Davao City due to the close PDs of their trees relative to the WG. Less expensive options such as gene-based surveillance will enable the local government to trace and monitor the actual genetic diversity and spread of the virus, which could lead to the design and implementation of focused strategies.","PeriodicalId":39096,"journal":{"name":"Philippine Journal of Science","volume":"89 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76098771","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Retrospective Spatial Analysis of the COVID-19 Threat to the High-risk Population in Davao Region, Philippines from March 2020 to August 2021","authors":"Federico Calo, Mia Kristine Quinco, Z. P. Lachica, G. Logrosa, Zarah Jean Diche, Pamela Grace Roxas, Kim Dianne B. Ligue, Joshua Mar Bompat, Jolly Mae G Catalan, A. Yumang, M. Mata","doi":"10.56899/152.03.12","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.56899/152.03.12","url":null,"abstract":"According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the elderly and people with comorbidities are most vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. With this, the challenges and threats posed to the vulnerable population require targeted interventions. While public health surveillance methods had developed recent advances to meet users’ information needs, the volume and complexity of infectious disease data had increased, resulting in increasing difficulty to facilitate risk communication with the public and for decision-makers to make informed measures to protect the public’s health. Moreover, the implementation of COVID-19 spatiotemporal disease surveillance strategies specifically targeting the vulnerable population in the Davao Region had been previously unexplored. This paper investigated the COVID-19 incidence in the Davao Region from 03 Mar 2020, the earliest recorded date of onset, to 31 Aug 2021 using geospatial tools. The variables were visualized through choropleth maps and graduated symbols, and subsequently examined through spatial autocorrelation and hotspot analysis. Hotspots across the region were observed to be in high-density areas. These areas pose greater risks of infection due to the presence of a high concentration of cases. However, high case fatality rates were found in far-flung municipalities where access to COVID-19 healthcare facilities is a dilemma. In the COVID-19 setting and future disease outbreaks similar to COVID-19, results from this study may provide insights to government offices and other related agencies to improve healthcare systems and programs such as providing and initiating tailor-fitted isolation and consultation mechanisms appropriate to the vulnerable population in a community.","PeriodicalId":39096,"journal":{"name":"Philippine Journal of Science","volume":"43 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85774495","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"New Records of Podontia quatuordecimpunctata (L.) (Sineguelas Leaf Beetle) (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini) on Spondias spp. (Anacardiaceae) and Its Geographic Distribution in the Philippines","authors":"J. Adorada, Orlando A. Calcetas, Rachel Ann A. Anabo, C. L. Staines, Madora Abril D. Gallegos, Brian Joseph S. Zulueta, M. Recuenco, Flora C. Alvarez, Albert A. Serquina","doi":"10.56899/152.03.04","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.56899/152.03.04","url":null,"abstract":"Podontia quatuordecimpunctata (L.) or the “sineguelas” leaf beetle is reported from the Philippines. Red sineguelas (Spondias purpurea L.), golden apple or yellow sineguelas (S. dulcis Forst.), and hog plum or “libas” [S. pinnata (L.f.) Kurz.] are reported as host plants. However, feeding on S. philippinensis (Elm.) and S. mombin L. (hog plum are unverified. The current geographic distribution and pest status of P. quatuordecimpunctata are presented.","PeriodicalId":39096,"journal":{"name":"Philippine Journal of Science","volume":"34 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87006088","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Momentum Distribution in the Classically Forbidden Region of a Ballistic Particle at the Turning Point","authors":"A. Villanueva","doi":"10.56899/152.03.14","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.56899/152.03.14","url":null,"abstract":"A wave packet 𝚿𝚿(𝒙𝒙, 𝒕𝒕) of a single particle has a statistical correlation between its position x and momentum p, quantified as the position-momentum covariance. The covariance influences wave packet spreading and the probability current through a given point. This paper shows another effect of the covariance: non-zero covariance can manifest as an asymmetry of the regional momentum density. Consider a selective measurement |𝚿𝚿⟩ → |𝚿𝚿[𝒙𝒙 𝟏𝟏 ,𝒙𝒙 𝟐𝟐 ] ⟩ where the initial state |𝚿𝚿⟩ is projected into the state |𝚿𝚿[𝒙𝒙 𝟏𝟏 ,𝒙𝒙 𝟐𝟐 ] ⟩ within a smaller region 𝒙𝒙𝟏𝟏 < 𝒙𝒙 < 𝒙𝒙𝟐𝟐. The momentum representation of the projected state is 𝚽𝚽[𝒙𝒙 𝟏𝟏 ,𝒙𝒙 𝟐𝟐 ] = ⟨𝒑𝒑|𝚿𝚿[𝒙𝒙 𝟏𝟏 ,𝒙𝒙 𝟐𝟐 ] ⟩ and the corresponding momentum density |𝚽𝚽 [𝒙𝒙 𝟏𝟏 ,𝒙𝒙 𝟐𝟐 ] | 𝟐𝟐 is the regional momentum density. This paper examines a molecule-sized particle under uniform gravity (represented by a Gaussian wave packet 𝚼𝚼𝟎𝟎 ) at the classical turning point. I consider the effect of the covariance of 𝚼𝚼𝟎𝟎 on the regional momentum density in the classically forbidden region. The initial state 𝚼𝚼𝟎𝟎 with a given covariance is projected into the classically forbidden region, producing the state 𝚼𝚼𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪. If the corresponding momentum wave function is 𝚽𝚽𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪, the regional momentum density is 𝚷𝚷 𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪 = |𝚽𝚽𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪 |𝟐𝟐. I derive an analytic expression for 𝚷𝚷 𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪 that shows that a non-zero covariance predicts an asymmetric momentum density in the classically forbidden region. This gives us a measure of control in preparing a preferred momentum distribution in the classically forbidden region using the appropriate covariance, at the price of a larger momentum uncertainty due to the uncertainty principle (as the configuration space of the particle is decreased). Also, since the momentum density is obtained experimentally from the statistics of momentum measurements, we can measure the covariance through comparison with the predicted momentum distribution, as well as indirectly test the equivalence principle.","PeriodicalId":39096,"journal":{"name":"Philippine Journal of Science","volume":"123 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85690008","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Dynamic Jumping Exercise on Vascular Function, Physical Performance, and Quality of Life in Middle-aged with Prehypertension","authors":"Woranon Boonsong, S. Nakmareong, Wanida Donpunha, K. Sawanyawisuth, Taweesak Janyacharoen","doi":"10.56899/152.02.20","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.56899/152.02.20","url":null,"abstract":"This study aimed to investigate the effects of home-based dynamic jumping exercise (DJE) in middle-aged with prehypertension. Sedentary individuals were recruited from Banphai district, Khon Kaen, Thailand. Thirty (30) eligible subjects were randomly allocated to the control (CG) and exercise (EX) groups. The CG was instructed about lifestyle modification, and the EX was asked to act like the CG but additionally elongated with DJE program for 8 wk (50 min/day, 3 d/wk at moderate intensity). The primary outcomes were systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). There are four secondary outcomes – including carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), five times sit-to-stand test (FTSST), timed up and go test (TUGT), and quality of life (QOL). After the 8-wk program, the EX significantly improved in all outcomes from baseline (p < 0.001) except TUGT (p = 0.07) and QOL. On the other hand, the environmental domain of QOL significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the CG from baseline. However, significant differences were found in SBP, DBP, FTSST, and TUGT between the groups except for cfPWV (p = 0.06). In conclusion, the DJE program in combination with lifestyle modification was considered a non-pharmacological intervention for controlling blood pressure and improving physical performance in middle-aged adults with prehypertension.","PeriodicalId":39096,"journal":{"name":"Philippine Journal of Science","volume":"24 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74196230","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Suitability of Sugarcane Extract as a Local Extender and the Use of Either DMSO or Glycerol as Cryoprotectant for the Cryopreservation of the Banaba Native Breed Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) Semen","authors":"A. Salifu, J. Bautista, A. Rayos, J. Dizon, P. Sangel","doi":"10.56899/152.02.14","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.56899/152.02.14","url":null,"abstract":"The experiment was designed to test the suitability of sugarcane extract (SE) as a local extender for the cryopreservation of the Banaba native chicken semen by comparing the effects of different cryoprotective agent concentrations [i.e. glycerol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)] and thawing temperatures on the post-thaw semen quality. Twelve (12) 29-month-old Banaba native roosters served as semen donors. Only samples that passed the preliminary semen quality assessment of > 70% motility and morphology were further processed and analyzed using a computer- assisted semen analyzer (CASA). Pooled ejaculate samples were cryopreserved with SE extender containing 3, 5, 7, or 9% (T3%, T5%, T7%, and T9%) glycerol or DMSO concentration levels. The results showed that the inclusion level of cryoprotectants and thawing temperatures have no significant effect on the percent motile sperm, percent progressive sperm, percent normal morphology, and percent viability. The type of cryoprotectant used in cryopreservation of the semen had a significant effect on all the semen quality parameters. Semen cryopreserved with glycerol had significantly higher values compared to DMSO in all semen quality variables.","PeriodicalId":39096,"journal":{"name":"Philippine Journal of Science","volume":"35 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79752605","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bioactive Compounds from Hot Spring and Volcanic Microorganisms","authors":"Fleurdeliz Maglangit, K. Miranda, Mariel Rose Villarubia, D. Dalman","doi":"10.56899/152.03.01","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.56899/152.03.01","url":null,"abstract":"Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a threatening global health challenge with an estimated annual death toll of 10 million by 2050 if unabated. Therefore, there is a mounting urgency to find new sources of clinical candidates for the development of drugs that are effective against drug-resistant infections and cancer. Hot springs and volcanic environments represent valuable sources of novel natural products (NPs) – including polyketides, alkaloids, and peptides – yet largely untapped and understudied. Microbes from these niches have been found to develop unique defenses to thrive in extreme temperatures and harsh conditions, leading to the biosynthesis of novel molecules with unique chemical architectures and remarkable biological activities. The present review surveys the bioactive NPs from hot springs and volcanic microbes from 2006–2022, highlighting their chemical structures and biological potential. Notably, the compounds ohmyungsamycin A, dicitrinone B, and terrein displayed more potent cytotoxic effects on several cancer cell lines compared to the current chemotherapy drugs, indicating a promising potential for drug development. The continued exploration of extreme microbes will undoubtedly bring many discoveries of bioactive molecules potentially valuable for biotechnological or pharmaceutical applications.","PeriodicalId":39096,"journal":{"name":"Philippine Journal of Science","volume":"17 4 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90779413","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Ethanol Extracts Obtained from Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.)","authors":"Gergana Marovska, Ivanka Hambarliyska, N. Petkova, Ivan Georgiev Ivanov, I. Vasileva, A. Slavov","doi":"10.56899/152.03.09","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.56899/152.03.09","url":null,"abstract":"The objectives of the present study were focused on the comparative study of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) raw material and its essential oil industry by-products. The potential of the by-products as a natural source of bioactive polar and nonpolar compounds suitable for applications in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries was investigated. Four lavender samples were studied – three by-products from industrial steam distillation (L-SD20 M, L-SD21 M, and L-SD21 Z) and one raw untreated lavender (L-UNTR21 Z) – and their chemical composition and antioxidant capacity were determined and compared. Nine phenolic acids (gallic, protocatehuic, chlorogenic, caffeic, syringic, p-coumaric, ferulic, salicylic, and rosmarinic acids) and five flavonoids [(+)-catechin, (–)-epicatechin, rutin, hesperidin, and quercetin] were detected in the 70% ethanolic extract of L-SD20 M. The highest amount of phenolic compounds at 16.08 ± 0.38 mg gallic acid equivalents/ g dry weight (dw) were found in the L-SD21 Z 70% ethanolic extract. L-SD21 M 70% ethanolic extract was distinctive with the highest amounts of flavonoids at 3.89 ± 0.44 mg quercetin equivalents/ g dw. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was evaluated by four methods: radical scavenging activity of 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH assay), ABTS [2,2′-azino-di-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulfonic acid)], ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC). The highest antioxidant activity by the CUPRAC method was observed in the 70% ethanolic extract of L-SD21 M – 326.49 millimoles Trolox equivalents/g dw. The major aroma constituents found in the 70% ethanolic extracts of L-UNTR21 Z were linalyl acetate and linalool at 38.64 and 7.89%, respectively. τ-muurolol, an oxidated sesquiterpene, was also found in high amounts in the 70% ethanolic extracts from lavender by-products. Therefore, lavender and its industrially generated by-products could represent a promising source of biologically active and aroma compounds with potent high antioxidant activity.","PeriodicalId":39096,"journal":{"name":"Philippine Journal of Science","volume":"66 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79990032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synoptic Review of Stenobrimus Redtenbacher, 1906 (Phasmatodea: Heteropterygidae: Obriminae), with the Description of a New Species from the Cavinti Karst Landscape, Laguna, Philippines","authors":"I. Lit, O. Eusebio, Cristian C. Lucañas, A. Barrion-Dupo, Kristine O. Abenis, Kirk Taray, Marnelli S. Alviola, J. Naredo","doi":"10.56899/152.03.02","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.56899/152.03.02","url":null,"abstract":"The unique Philippine spiny stick insect genus Stenobrimus, was reviewed. One new species, S. pilipinus Eusebio, Lit & Lucañas, sp. nov., is described from the forest over limestone outside the Cavinti Underground River and Cave Complex (CURCC) in Cavinti, Laguna Province. S. pilipinus, sp. nov., is unique among Stenobrimus species in having post-median mesonotal spines in both males and females. Its morphologically nearest congeners, S. bolivari Redtenbacher and S. tagalog Rehn & Rehn, are redescribed. The distribution of the genus in relation to karst forests and the historical biogeography of the Philippines is briefly discussed. Revised keys to the identification of Stenobrimus species for males, females, and eggs are presented.","PeriodicalId":39096,"journal":{"name":"Philippine Journal of Science","volume":"24 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85084441","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Consumption of Household Disinfectants during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sorsogon, Philippines","authors":"Mabille Longavela, Richard V. Dumilag, M. A. Malto, Elden Orgela, Teresa Haide R. Belgica, Lynn Mendoza, Janet M. Hibay, Mae San Pablo, Carmela Enmel, Franklin Calaminos, Jinky D. Bailon, Laurence Elmer H. Corral, Leny D. Berdin, Vivien L. Chua, Ruby Olipany, Cynthia B. Mintu, Benilda Laza, J. P. Gerardo, C. F. Ruiz","doi":"10.56899/152.03.05","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.56899/152.03.05","url":null,"abstract":"Knowledge of behavior and perception changes about the use of household disinfectants in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic is largely unexplored. Through a survey, we took into consideration the locals’ responses from Sorsogon, Philippines. Alcohol and oxidizing agents were found to be the most commonly used household disinfectant products in Sorsogon. Most of the respondents have shifted to the everyday use of disinfectant products during the pandemic. Increased disinfectant consumerism was positively associated with genders, employed respondents, and students but not among housewives and non-employed respondents. Most of the respondents agreed that various factors are needed to consider when choosing disinfectants. They were also knowledgeable about the possible effects of disinfectant wastes on the environment. How would these collective positive behavior changes during the new normal era warrant further attention.","PeriodicalId":39096,"journal":{"name":"Philippine Journal of Science","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74441405","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}