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.

Adductor myocutaneous flap coverage for hip and pelvic disarticulations of sarcomas with buttock contamination.

Abstract: Background Hip disarticulation and hemipelvectomy are alternatives to limb-salvage procedures for patients with extensive tumors of the upper thigh and buttocks. In cases when neither the conventional posterior gluteus maximus flap nor the anterior quadriceps flap can be used because of the location of the tumor, a medial adductor myocutaneous flap may be an alternative.

Development of a Mobile Game to Influence Behavior Determinants of HIV Service Uptake Among Key Populations in the Philippines: User-Centered Design Process.

Abstract: Background: Opportunities in digital distribution place mobile games as a promising platform for games for health. However, designing a game that can compete in the saturated mobile games market and deliver persuasive health messages can feel like an insurmountable challenge. Although user-centered design is widely advocated, factors such as the user’s subject domain expertise, budget constraints, and poor data collection methods can restrict the benefits of user involvement. Objective: This study aimed to develop a playable and acceptable game for health, targeted at young key populations in the Philippines. Methods: Authors identified a range of user-centered design methods to be used in tandem from published literature. The resulting design process involved a phased approach, with 40 primary and secondary users engaged during the initial ideation and prototype testing stages. Selected methods included participatory design workshops, playtests, playability heuristics, and focus group discussions. Subject domain experts were allocated roles in the development team. Data were analyzed using a framework approach. Conceptual frameworks in health intervention acceptability and game design guided the analysis. In-game events were captured through the Unity Analytics service to monitor uptake and game use over a 12-month period. Results: Early user involvement revealed a strong desire for online multiplayer gameplay, yet most reported that access to this type of game was restricted because of technical and economic constraints. A role-playing game (RPG) with combat elements was identified as a very appealing gameplay style. Findings guided us to a game that could be played offline and that blended RPG elements, such as narrative and turn-based combat, with match-3 puzzles. Although the game received a positive response during playtests, gameplay was at times perceived as repetitive and predicted to only appeal to casual gamers. Knowledge transfer was predominantly achieved through interpretation of the game’s narrative, highlighting this as an important design element. Uptake of the game was positive; between December 1, 2017, and December 1, 2018, 3325 unique device installs were reported globally. Game metrics provided evidence of adoption by young key populations in the Philippines. Game uptake and use were substantially higher in regions where direct engagement with target users took place. Conclusions: User-centered design activities supported the identification of important contextual requirements. Multiple data collection methods enabled triangulation of findings to mediate the inherent biases of the different techniques. Game acceptance is dependent on the ability of the development team to implement design solutions that address the needs and desires of target users. If target users are expected to develop design solutions, they must have adequate expertise and a significant role within the development team. Facilitating meaningful partnerships between health professionals, the games industry, and end users will support the games for health industry as it matures.

Angiotensin II Subtype 1 Receptor Blockade Inhibits Clostridium difficile Toxin A–Induced Intestinal Secretion in a Rabbit Model

Abstract: Angiotensin II (ANG II) has been described in the regulation of intestinal secretion and absorption via angiotensin subtype 1 (AT1) and AT2 receptors, respectively, in rats. We investigated the role that ANG II plays in the rabbit ileal-loop model of Clostridium difficile infection. Expression of AT1, the more abundant ANG II receptor, was demonstrated in ileal loops, and an AT1 receptor blocker, losartan, inhibited hypersecretion induced by C. difficile toxin A (mean volume:length ratio, vs. mL/cm in controls). 0.27 � 0.06 0.60 � 0.06 Losartan also decreased production of ANG II in the ileum ( vs. pg/mg in controls), 0.48 � 0.06 0.87 � 0.12 raising the possibility that ANG II may participate in a positive feedback loop involving the hypersecretory response. Our findings suggest that ANG II plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of C. difficile toxin‐ induced diarrhea. Toxigenic Clostridium difficile is the most important known cause of both antibiotic-associated and nosocomial diarrhea. The clinical manifestations of C. difficile colitis are caused by either one or both of the large exotoxins—toxins A and B—secreted by C. difficile. Most of the inflammatory and secretory effects of C. difficile are due to toxin A, an enterotoxin. Toxin A has been shown to cause the release of inflammatory cytokines, the recruitment of polymorphonuclear cells, and the stimulation of prostaglandin synthesis [1–3]. Toxin B, however, is a cytotoxin that causes cytopathic changes in cell culture. Recent studies have implicated toxin A– negative/toxin B–positive strains of C. difficile as a cause of disease outbreaks [4]. Both toxin A and toxin B exert

Voice Controlled Navigational Aid With RFID-based Indoor Positioning System for the Visually Impaired

Abstract: This paper presents the development of a voice-controlled navigational system that could assist the visually impaired people in travelling indoors independently. The system provides audible directions to the users in navigating from a specific location going to the desired destination. This system uses passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tags strategically located along the hallways of the facilities. These tags contain audible directions and they are detected by an RFID reader attached at the tip of a customized cane. The reader is connected to the Raspberry Pi 3 that serves as the brain of the system. It processes the data from the reader, validates the voice input of the user and provides the audio response. The adjustable customized cane measures from 88 cm to 130 cm with an approximate weight of 165 grams, which is lighter than commercially available canes that weigh around 300 grams. The speech recognition feature of the system is evaluated and an accuracy rate of 75.76% is obtained. Its response time in reading the tags is 1.38 seconds for a maximum distance of 1 inch. Overall, the system runs autonomously which helps the visually impaired people in navigating independently inside a specific establishment.