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.

Modeling Personal and Situational Influences on Condom Use Among Establishment-Based Commercial Sex Workers in the Philippines

Abstract: This study assesses the impact of personal and situational influences on condom use among establishment-based commercial sex workers (CSWs) in the Philippines. Prior research employing bivariate and multivariate statistics for item-level analyses identified situational factors as more important than personal factors on condom use among the CSWs. In the current study, multilevel latent variable structural equation models analyzed at the establishment and individual levels examined the influences of constructs encompassing both personal and situational factors on condom use. The between-level analyses revealed significant direct relationships between managers' attitudes (both actual and as perceived by the CSWs) and AIDS education and condom efficacy/use, confirming the presence of social, situational influences. The within-clusters analyses further revealed a predictive relationship between CSWs' perceptions of manager attitudes, personal condom attitudes, self-esteem, and condom efficacy/use. The discussion focuses on the relative influence of personal and situational factors on CSW condom use and the importance of addressing issues related to both factors in the development of effective interventions to promote safer sexual behavior among commercial sex workers.

Characterization of the cadmium-binding capacity of Chlorella vulgaris.

Abstract: Algae and other aquatic plants possess the capacity to take up toxic trace metals from their environment, resulting in an internal concentration greater than those of the surrounding waters (Whitton 1984; Ahner et al. 1995). This property has been exploited as a mean for treating industrial effluent containing metals before they are discharged, and to recover the bioavailable fraction of the metal (Kaplan et al. 1995). The advantages of using algae for such purpose are that algae are tolerant to elevated metal levels in their growth media. They grow autotrophically and have a large surface to volume ratio and the potential for genetic manupulation (Cai et al. 1995).

Comparison of Nondiabetic Retinal Findings Identified With Nonmydriatic Fundus Photography vs Ultrawide Field Imaging in an Ocular Telehealth Program

Abstract: Importance Ultrawide field imaging (UWFI) is increasingly being used in teleophthalmology settings. Given the greater area of the retina imaged, we evaluated the ability of UWFI vs nonmydriatic fundus photography (NMFP) to detect nondiabetic retinal findings in a teleophthalmology program. Observation We conducted a retrospective single-center comparative cohort study from January 1, 2011, to June 30, 2013, imaging 3864 and 3971 consecutive teleophthalmology patients (7728 and 7942 eyes) using NMFP and UWFI, respectively. Standard diabetic retinopathy evaluation and nondiabetic findings were compared between the 2 imaging modalities. In patients without diabetic retinopathy (2243 by NMFP and 2252 by UWFI), the rate of identification of nondiabetic findings by NMFP (451 patients [20.1%]) and UWFI (490 [21.8%]) were comparable ( P = .19). Ultrawide field imaging increased the identification of choroidal nevi by 27% (406 eyes [5.3%] by NMFP vs 545 eyes [6.9%] by UWFI; P P P P P Conclusions and Relevance In eyes without diabetic retinopathy, approximately 20% may have ocular findings identified on retinal imaging, which emphasizes the role of retinal imaging in patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2 regardless of the severity of retinopathy. In this cohort, UWFI increased the identification of peripheral retinal and vitreous pathologic findings.

Comparing different post-mortem human samples as DNA sources for downstream genotyping and identification.

Abstract: The capability of DNA laboratories to perform genotyping procedures from post-mortem remains, including those that had undergone putrefaction, continues to be a challenge in the Philippines, a country characterized by very humid and warm conditions all year round. These environmental conditions accelerate the decomposition of human remains that were recovered after a disaster and those that were left abandoned after a crime. When considerable tissue decomposition of human remains has taken place, there is no other option but to extract DNA from bone and/or teeth samples. Routinely, femur shafts are obtained from recovered bodies for human identification because the calcium matrix protects the DNA contained in the osteocytes. In the Philippines, there is difficulty in collecting femur samples after natural disasters or even human-made disasters, because these events are usually characterized by a large number of fatalities. Identification of casualties is further delayed by limitation in human and material resources. Hence, it is imperative to test other types of biological samples that are easier to collect, transport, process and store. We analyzed DNA that were obtained from body fluid, bone marrow, muscle tissue, clavicle, femur, metatarsal, patella, rib and vertebral samples from five recently deceased untreated male cadavers and seven male human remains that were embalmed, buried for ∼ 1 month and then exhumed. The bodies had undergone different environmental conditions and were in various stages of putrefaction. A DNA extraction method utilizing a detergent-washing step followed by an organic procedure was used. The utility of bone marrow and vitreous fluid including bone marrow and vitreous fluid that was transferred on FTA(®) cards and subjected to autosomal STR and Y-STR DNA typing were also evaluated. DNA yield was measured and the presence or absence of PCR inhibitors in DNA extracts was assessed using Plexor(®)HY. All samples were amplified using PowerPlex(®)21 and PowerPlexY(®)23 systems and analyzed using the AB3500 Genetic Analyzer and the GeneMapper(®) ID-X v.1.2 software. PCR inhibitors were consistently detected in bone marrow, muscle tissue, rib and vertebra samples. Amplifiable DNA was obtained in a majority of the samples analyzed. DNA recovery from 0.1g biological material was adequate for successful genotyping of most of the non-bone and bone samples. Complete DNA profiles were generated from bone marrow, femur, metatarsal and patella with 0.1 ng DNA template. Using 0.5 ng DNA template resulted in increased allele recovery and improved intra- and inter-locus peak balance.

Association of Pallidal Neurostimulation and Outcome Predictors With X-linked Dystonia Parkinsonism.

Abstract: Importance Anecdotal evidence suggests that deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the internal globus pallidus (GPi) is effective in ameliorating dystonia in X-linked dystonia parkinsonism (XDP), a disease that is usually refractive to medical therapy. Objective To determine the efficacy of GPi-DBS in a cohort of patients with XDP in a prospective study and identify predictors of postoperative outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants This observational prospective cohort study enrolled patients in February 2013 and was completed in December 2014. The patients were followed up for up to 46 months. Patients from the Philippines were treated in a single center in Lubeck, Germany and followed up in the Philippines. Sixteen men with XDP (mean [SD] age, 40.9 [7.3] years; disease duration, 1-6 years) from the Philippines with predominant dystonia were selected. Exposures All patients underwent bilateral GPi-DBS in Lubeck, Germany. Main Outcomes and Measures Clinical assessment included the motor parts of the Burke-Fahn-Marsden scale (BFMDRS-M) and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III). T1-based basal ganglia volumetry was performed and correlated with postoperative outcomes. Results The study participants included 16 Filipino men (mean age, 40.9 years). Masked video ratings revealed significant improvements of dystonia severity 1 week (-55%; range, -94% to 59%; P < .01) and 6 months (-59%; range, -100% to 22%; P < .001) after surgery. The UDPRS-III score also improved, albeit to a lesser extent (-19%; range, -54% to 95%; and -27%; range, -70% to 124%; respectively). Unmasked long-term follow-up confirmed the continued efficacy of GPi-DBS up to 46 months after surgery. Important secondary end points improved, including activities of daily living, pain severity, weight, and quality of life. Caudate atrophy was a predictor of a less beneficial outcome (r = 0.817, P = .004). Conclusions and Relevance Internal globus pallidus DBS had a positive association in XDP with predominant dystonia (the primary end point) and contributed to an improved quality of life (the secondary end point). The response to DBS occurred within 1 week. Given the inverse correlation of postoperative benefit and caudate atrophy, GPi-DBS should be considered early during the disease course. Close international collaboration, training, and funding from multiple sources enabled the sustainable follow-up of patients with XDP in the Philippines.