Nutritional and genetic determinants of essential hypertension among adult respondents of the 2013 national nutrition survey, Philippines: a preliminary observational study.

Preventive strategies for hypertension and its sequelae require an understanding of their predisposing conditions and recognition of at-risk individuals. Several factors, both genetic and nongenetic, are influential, and likely vary in their effects across ethnicities. This study aimed to identify dietary, lifestyle-related differences and genetic variants associated with hypertension in Filipinos.

A Comparative Study of Secondary Procedures after Subpectoral and Prepectoral Single-Stage Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction.

Background: Implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR) is the most commonly used procedure to reconstruct the breast after mastectomy. The advantages and disadvantages of subpectoral versus prepectoral implant placement remain a matter of debate. This study compares the need for secondary aesthetic procedures between prepectoral and subpectoral IBR.

Genotype Effects on β-Carotene Conversion to Vitamin A: Implications on Reducing Vitamin A Deficiency in the Philippines.

Background: The study aimed to identify 2 beta-carotene 15,15'-monooxygenase (BCMO1) mutations, namely R267S and A379V, and determine their association with vitamin A status among Filipinos 6 to 19 years old respondents of the 2013 Philippine National Nutrition Survey living in the National Capital Region.

Materials And Methods: This study followed cross-sectional design. Whole blood specimen was collected in the morning and was used as source of genomic DNA and serum for retinol concentration determination.

Next Generation Sequencing of 502 Lifestyle and Nutrition related Genetic Polymorphisms reveals Independent Loci for Low Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D Levels among Adult Respondents of the 2013 Philippine National Nutrition Survey.

Objective: The study determined the relationship of serum vitamin D levels and 502 lifestyle and nutrition related genetic polymorphisms among adult respondents of the 2013 Philippine National Nutrition Survey (NNS).

Methodology: A total of 1,160 adult respondents of the 2013 NNS living in the National Capital Region, Philippines were enrolled. Of the 1,160 sequenced samples, 833 passed the stringent quality control based on multiple parameters and were used for further analysis.

Central round block repair of large breast resection defects: oncologic and aesthetic outcomes.

Background: The central round block repair is a volume displacement technique to reconstruct large wide local excision (WLE) defects in breasts with moderate ptosis or hypertrophy. There are limited published data on the outcomes of this technique.

Methods: Data were collected prospectively for 57 consecutive patients and follow up information obtained from patient records.

Use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in nipple reconstruction: the 'central-pillar technique'.

Nipple reconstructions are prone to a variable and unpredictable degree of flattening, which in some cases lead to secondary reconstruction. The use of an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) augmentation may be appropriate in cases with very thin dermis that are particularly prone to flattening or in revision cases where the first procedure has already failed. The authors present a series of 13 nipple reconstructions in ten cases.