University of the Philippines

About: University of the Philippines is a education organization based out in Quezon City, Philippines. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 4589 authors who have published 4437 publications receiving 114846 citations. The organization is also known as: UP.

Electropolymerized Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Film: EIS Sensing of Bisphenol A

Abstract: Bisphenol A (BPA) sensing was investigated based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements of an electropolymerized molecularly imprinted polymer (E-MIP) film. The E-MIP film is composed of varying ratios of BPA–terthiophene and carbazole monomer complex deposited onto indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates via anodic electropolymerization using cyclic voltammetry (CV). Subsequently, the interfacial properties of these films were studied using the non-Faradaic EIS technique. The same technique was then used to measure the presence of templated BPA which is a known endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC). Analyses of the EIS results were performed using equivalent circuits in order to model the electrical and impedance properties through the interface. A linear calibration curve was established in the range 0–12 mM concentrations of the analyte. Moreover, the selectivity of the films against bisphenol AF and diphenolic acid was demonstrated. The E-MIP sensor may have advantages in environmental m...

Schistosomiasis Japonica in the Philippines: The Long-Term Impact of Population-Based Chemotherapy on Infection, Transmission, and Morbidity

Abstract: The long-term impact of annual case-finding and chemotherapy with praziquantel on schistosomiasis japonica was examined in an 8-year longitudinal study in the Philippines. The prevalence, incidence, and intensity of infection and schistosome-induced hepatomegaly significantly decreased within 3-4 years of treatment and then stabilized despite continual population-based chemotherapy. Hepatomegaly rapidly developed in acutely infected persons, with 82% of subjects developing hepatic enlargement within 2 years of reinfection. These data suggest that abrupt discontinuation of current control measures in the Philippines may result in a rapid rebound in morbidity. Age-dependent acquired resistance to reinfection also developed in subjects chronically exposed to schistosomiasis japonica, suggesting that a vaccine may represent an alternative approach for control of this parasitic infection.

Association of ultra-processed food intake with risk of inflammatory bowel disease: prospective cohort study

Abstract: Objective To evaluate the relation between intake of ultra-processed food and risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Design Prospective cohort study. Setting 21 low, middle, and high income countries across seven geographical regions (Europe and North America, South America, Africa, Middle East, south Asia, South East Asia, and China). Participants 116 087 adults aged 35-70 years with at least one cycle of follow-up and complete baseline food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) data (country specific validated FFQs were used to document baseline dietary intake). Participants were followed prospectively at least every three years. Main outcome measures The main outcome was development of IBD, including Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Associations between ultra-processed food intake and risk of IBD were assessed using Cox proportional hazard multivariable models. Results are presented as hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Results Participants were enrolled in the study between 2003 and 2016. During the median follow-up of 9.7 years (interquartile range 8.9-11.2 years), 467 participants developed incident IBD (90 with Crohn’s disease and 377 with ulcerative colitis). After adjustment for potential confounding factors, higher intake of ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of incident IBD (hazard ratio 1.82, 95% confidence interval 1.22 to 2.72 for ≥5 servings/day and 1.67, 1.18 to 2.37 for 1-4 servings/day compared with Conclusions Higher intake of ultra-processed food was positively associated with risk of IBD. Further studies are needed to identify the contributory factors within ultra-processed foods. Study registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03225586.