University of the Philippines Manila

About: University of the Philippines Manila is a education organization based out in Manila, Philippines. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 2218 authors who have published 2357 publications receiving 88781 citations. The organization is also known as: UPM.

Nerve transfers for shoulder function for traumatic brachial plexus injuries.

Abstract: The objective of this article was to evaluate the clinical results of nerve transfer procedures for the restoration of shoulder abduction and external rotation in patients with traumatic brachial plexus injuries. A retrospective study was done to determine the results of nerve transfers for shoulder function in patients with traumatic brachial plexus injuries. The authors evaluated shoulder abduction and external rotation in terms of type of nerve transfer performed (single vs. double) and the time delay to surgery (greater or less than 6 mo). A total of 20 patients were evaluated with 5 patients having double nerve transfers and 15 patients having single nerve transfers to restore shoulder function. All surgeries were done within 12 months of injury. The average follow-up for the 20 patients was 28.4 ± 17.5 months (minimum of 12 mo follow-up for all patients). The mean shoulder abduction and external rotation for the single nerve transfer group was 71.3 ± 48 degrees and 56 ± 44 degrees, respectively. For the double nerve transfer group, the mean shoulder abduction and external rotation was 123 ± 49 degrees and 86 ± 35 degrees, respectively. The difference was significant for the shoulder abduction (p = 0.05) but not for the external rotation (p = 0.19). In terms of time delay to surgery, there was no difference between surgery done in 6 months or less versus those done greater than 6 months but less than 12 months for shoulder abduction (88.1 ± 47.7 degrees and 77.1 ± 63.4 degrees, respectively, p = 0.67) and shoulder external rotation (63.8 ± 42.2 degrees and 62.8 ± 49.3 degrees, respectively, p = 0.96). The results of this study showed that nerve transfers can restore functional shoulder abduction and external rotation. Double nerve transfers tend to have significantly greater range of shoulder abduction compared with single nerve transfers if done within 1 year of injury.

Multipesticide Residue Assessment of Agricultural Soil and Water in Major Farming Areas in Benguet, Philippines

Abstract: This study investigated the concentration and presence of pesticide residues in water and soil in Benguet, which is a vegetable producing region in the Philippines. Seventy-eight samples and 49 water samples were taken from different farms covering three municipalities in the province of Benguet and were analyzed using gas chromatography. Meteorological conditions of temperature and humidity were also taken. Thirty-four of the soil samples were found to be positive for pesticide residues. The most significant pesticide type with the highest concentration was technical endosulfan, with a mean concentration of 0.025 mg/kg, followed by endosulfan sulfate (0.015 mg/kg), chlorpyrifos (0.01 mg/kg), profenofos (0.003 mg/kg), chlorothanil, cypermethrin, and cylohathrin (all at 0.002 mg/kg). One water sample was found to be positive for pesticide residue of chlorpyrifos in municipality 2 at a concentration of 0.07 mg/L. The data also showed that endosulfan, which is restricted in the Philippines and banned in other countries, was found to be the most prevalent pesticide used (17.7%) and the second highest in concentration (0.015 mg/kg) in soil samples. The study also showed a relationship between temperature and pesticide concentration in soil. In conclusion, pesticide residues were found in soil and water samples in the farming areas of Benguet.

Scientific impact of multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder research from Southeast Asia: A bibliometric analysis.

Abstract: Background Scientific productivity in the Southeast Asian (SEA) region in the field of multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (MS/ NMOSD) was hypothesized to be low in magnitude. The aim of this study was to determine and compare MS/ NMOSD research outputs among the SEA countries in terms of established bibliometric indices. The association between these productivity indices and relevant country-specific socioeconomic factors was also determined. Methods A systematic review was conducted to include all relevant published MS/ NMOSD studies in the SEA indexed in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and CENTRAL from the inception of these databases to August 1, 2019. Quantity of research productivity was measured in terms of the total published documents. Quality of research impact was evaluated by assessing the study designs of the published reports, publications in journals with impact factor (IF) and PlumX Metrics (citations, usage, captures, mentions and social medias). Population size, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, percentage (%) of GDP allocated to research and development (RD therefore, the total number of publications in the SEA region related to MS/ NMOSD was deemed low in quantity. Most studies were cross-sectional and case reports/ series; hence, most studies offered low level of evidence. Since the aggregate scores in citations, usage, captures, mentions, and social medias in PlumX Metrics and publications in journals with IF were low, the overall quality of the published articles was considered low. Thailand (57 articles), Malaysia (40) and Singapore (29) contributed to the majority of publications on the topic-. GDP per capita was statistically correlated with usage. Percent GDP for R&D was positively correlated with total publications, usage, captures and social mediaindices. Conclusion In conclusion, the scientific impact of MS/ NMOSD in the SEA was considered low in quantity and quality. This study must encourage researchers in the SEA to produce greater volumes of high-quality publications in this particular field and motivate governments to increase % GDP for R&D for the benefit of patients suffering fromthese rare and disabling conditions.

Interfacing enzymes with silicon nanocrystals through the thiol-ene reaction.

Abstract: This study reports the preparation of functional bioinorganic hybrids, through application of the thiol–ene reaction, that exhibit catalytic activity and photoluminescent properties from enzymes and freestanding silicon nanocrystals. Thermal hydrosilylation of 1,7-octadiene and alkene-terminated poly(ethylene oxide)methyl ether with hydride-terminated silicon nanocrystals afforded nanocrystals functionalized with alkene residues and poly(ethylene oxide) moieties. These silicon nanocrystals were conjugated with representative enzymes through the photochemical thiol–ene reaction to afford bioinorganic hybrids that are dispersible and photostable in buffer, and that exhibit photoluminescence (λmax = 630 nm) and catalytic activity. They were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering analysis (DLS), absorption spectroscopy, steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, and pertinent enzyme activity assays. The general derivatization approach presented for interfacing enzymes with biocompatible silicon nanocrystals has far reaching implications for many applications ranging from sensors to therapeutic agents. The bioinorganic hybrids presented herein have potential applications in the chemical detection of nitrophenyl esters and urea. They can also be employed in enzyme-based theranostics as they combine long-lived silicon nanocrystal photoluminescence with substrate-specific enzymatic activity.