Long-term human influence on the demography and genetic diversity of the hyperdominant Bertholletia excelsa in the Amazon Basin.

The Amazon rainforest is characterized by a limited number of hyperdominant trees that play an oversized role in its ecosystems, nutrient cycle, and rainfall production. Some of these, such as the Brazil nut, appear to have been intensively exploited and dispersed by Indigenous populations since their earliest arrival in this part of South America around 13,000 years ago. However, the genetic diversity-and geographic structure-of these species remains poorly understood, as does their exact relationship with past human land use.

Risk of Nipah Virus Seroprevalence in Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic pathogen with the potential to cause human outbreaks with a high case fatality ratio. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, available evidence on NiV infections occurring in healthcare workers (HCWs) was collected and critically appraised. According to the PRISMA statement, four medical databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Scopus) and the preprint repository medRixv were inquired through a specifically designed searching strategy.

Velopharyngeal Insufficiency and Impaired Tongue Movement Indicate Neuromuscular Disorders: A 10-Year Statistical Study in a Single Tertiary Institution.

: This study aimed to determine the positive predictive value of our NMD Suspicion Criteria in the diagnosis of NMDs. Other clinical factors routinely examined in our voice and swallowing examinations were also investigated to see if they had a significant association with the diagnosis of NMDs. : This study retrospectively investigated the medical charts of patients who visited our Voice and Swallowing outpatient clinic between 2013 and 2022.

Isolation and Bioactivity of Natural Products from sp. MA37.

The isolation and characterization of bioactive metabolites from species continue to represent a vital area of research, given their potential in natural product drug discovery. In this study, we characterize a new siderophore called legonoxamine I, together with a known compound, streptimidone, from the talented soil bacterium sp. MA37, using chromatographic techniques and spectroscopic analysis.

Comparison of Vaccination Regimens on Immune Responses Using PED Replicon Vaccine: A Field Trial in PED-Negative and PED-Positive Thai Swine Farms.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is an economically important pathogen of swine, causing severe diarrhea in neonates with high morbidity and mortality. Vaccination is a key strategy for PEDV control, but optimizing regimens based on herd status is essential for improving immunity and protection. This study evaluated immune responses to different vaccination protocols using a PED replicon vaccine (PED-RP) in Thai swine farms with varying PED statuses.

Fleece-Lined Whelping Pools Associated with Reduced Incidence of Canine Hip Dysplasia in a Guide Dog Program.

Using genetic selection, Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) has reduced the incidence rate of canine hip dysplasia (CHD). However, given that CHD is polygenic and multifactorial, environmental factors may impact the expression of this developmental condition. The objective of this original, correlational research was to investigate the relationship between the substrate in the whelping pool used from birth to 3 weeks of age and CHD diagnosis.

Application of a ImageJ-Based Method to Measure Blood Flow in Adult Zebrafish and Its Applications for Toxicological and Pharmacological Assessments.

Blood flow is an important physiological endpoint to measure cardiovascular performance in animals. Because of their innate transparent bodies, zebrafish is an excellent animal model for assessing in vivo cardiovascular performance. Previously, various helpful methods for measuring blood flow in zebrafish larvae were discovered and developed.

Combined application of metagenomics and FEAST to trace sources of microbial eukaryotic contamination in the Pasig-Marikina-San Juan (PAMARISAN) river system in Metro Manila, Philippines.

Microbial eukaryotes are vital to global microbial diversity, but there is limited information about their composition and sources in contaminated surface waters. This study examined the pathogens and potential sources of microbial eukaryotic communities in polluted sink environments using the 18S rDNA amplicon sequencing combined with the fast expectation-maximization for microbial source tracking (FEAST) program. Six sampling sites were selected along the Pasig-Marikina-San Juan (PAMARISAN) River System, representing different locations within the waterway and classified as sinks (n = 12), whereas animal fecal samples collected from various farms were classified as sources (n = 29).

The mediating role of physical activity and quality of life in the association between knee osteoarthritis-related symptoms and physical function of post-COVID patients in Metro Manila: a study protocol.

Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition affecting joint function. Regular physical activity can enhance functional capacity and reduce pain. However, there is a scarcity of studies relating to knee OA during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly its impact on symptoms and quality of life.

Comparative analysis of certified emission reduction methodologies for methane emission reduction in China.

As one of the top emitters of methane (CH), China must take action to achieve its carbon neutrality goal. Programs to reduce CH emissions would benefit from the establishment of the China Certified Emission Reduction (CCER) trading market. However, studies investigating the impact of the CCER trading market on CH reduction remain limited.

Metabolic profiling of endophytic fungi acting as antagonists of the banana pathogen Colletotrichum musae.

Three endophytic strains, Phomopsis sp., Fusarium proliferatum, and Tinctoporellus epimiltinus, isolated from various plants in the rainforest of the Philippines, were investigated regarding their ability to repress growth of the pathogenic fungus Colletotrichum musae on banana fruits causing anthracnose disease. An in vitro plate-to-plate assay and an in vivo sealed box assay were conducted, using commercial versus natural potato dextrose medium (PDA).

Overcoming low status or maintaining high status? A multinational examination of the association between socioeconomic status and honour.

We examined the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and endorsement of honour. We studied the SES-honour link in 5 studies (N = 13,635) with participants recruited in different world regions (the Mediterranean and MENA, East Asian, South-East Asian, and Anglo-Western regions) using measures that tap into various different facets of honour. Findings from these studies revealed that individuals who subjectively perceived themselves as belonging to a higher (vs.

Creative pathways to comfort: the transformative role of art therapy in palliative and hospice care.

Background: Art therapy offers a creative outlet for patients in palliative and hospice care to express emotions, manage distress and enhance wellbeing by addressing physical, emotional and spiritual challenges.

Aims: This review evaluates the effectiveness, challenges and outcomes of art therapy in improving the quality of life for patients in palliative and hospice care.

Methods: An integrative review.

Strengthening National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups: Twelve Years of Progress (2012-2023).

Introduction: Well-functioning National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) are valuable contributors to decision-making processes in the complex immunization policy arena. This paper describes the progress made globally on the establishment and strengthening of these key advisory groups and discusses some of their strengths, challenges, and opportunities.

Methods: The data submitted annually by countries to the World Health Organization (WHO) via the WHO/UNICEF Joint Reporting Form (JRF) were analyzed, comparing the NITAG functionality criteria in 2012 and 2023.

Precision Medicine Assessment of the Radiographic Defect Angle of the Intrabony Defect in Periodontal Lesions by Deep Learning of Bitewing Radiographs.

In dental diagnosis, evaluating the severity of periodontal disease by analyzing the radiographic defect angle of the intrabony defect is essential for effective treatment planning. However, dentists often rely on clinical examinations and manual analysis, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Due to the high recurrence rate of periodontal disease after treatment, accurately evaluating the radiographic defect angle of the intrabony defect is vital for implementing targeted interventions, which can improve treatment outcomes and reduce recurrence.

Teaching death, spirituality, and palliative care to university students: Novel pedagogical approach.

Teaching death, spirituality, and palliative care equips students with critical skills and perspectives for holistic patient care. This interdisciplinary approach fosters empathy, resilience, and personal growth while enhancing competence in end-of-life care. Using experiential methods like simulations and real patient interactions, educators bridge theory and practice.

Compound heterozygous TMEM67 biallelic variants including a novel frameshift mutation in two Filipino adolescent siblings with Joubert syndrome.

Joubert Syndrome (JS) is a congenital cerebellar ataxia typically inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, although rare X-linked inheritance can occur. It is characterized by hypotonia evolving into ataxia, global developmental delay, oculomotor apraxia, breathing dysregulation, and multiorgan involvement. To date, there are 40 causative genes implicated in JS, all of which encode proteins of the primary cilium.

Molecular modelling and optimization of a high-affinity nanobody targeting the nipah virus fusion protein through in silico site-directed mutagenesis.

Nipah virus (NiV) is a re-emerging zoonotic pathogen with a high mortality rate and no effective treatments, prompting the search for new antiviral strategies. While conventional antiviral drugs are often limited by issues such as poor specificity, off-target effects, and resistance development, nanobodies offer distinct advantages. These small, single-domain antibodies exhibit high specificity and stability, making them ideal candidates for antiviral therapy.

In silico design of multi-epitope vaccine candidate based on structural proteins of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is one of the most common respiratory disease-causing viral agents. Swine infected with PRRSV exhibit severe respiratory symptoms and reproductive failure, leading to significant economic losses. To address this issue, inactivated and live-attenuated vaccines have been developed.

Development and psychometric testing of the school-life conflict scale (SLCS) among nursing students.

Background: Nursing students often face a heavy academic burden compared to students in other programs, possibly affecting their personal lives. However, a standardized scale assessing how academic demands interfere with the personal well-being in student nurses is lacking.

Objective: This study was conducted to develop and test the psychometric properties of the School-Life Conflict Scale (SLCS).

Consolidated Newborn Bloodspot Screening Efforts in Developing Countries in the Asia Pacific-2024.

Approximately half of all births globally occur in the Asia Pacific Region. Concerted efforts to support local activities aimed at developing national newborn screening (NBS) have been ongoing for almost 30 years, first by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and then through volunteer efforts. Sustainable newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) continues to be initiated and develop in many of the countries with developing economies in the region.

Immediate individual effects of intensive group speech intervention on speech and health-related quality of life in adolescents with cleft palate: a descriptive study in the Philippines.

Introduction: This descriptive study investigated the immediate individual effects of intensive group speech intervention on speech, health-related quality of life, and satisfaction in adolescents born with a cleft (lip and) palate (CP ± L) in the Philippines.

Methods: Four Filipino adolescents with a repaired CP ± L (age range = 17 to 23 years) were included. They presented with at least one cleft-related speech sound error.

Newly developed genomic SSR markers revealed the population structure and genetic characteristics of abaca ( Nee).

Abaca ( Nee) is the primary source of manila hemp fiber, a vital industrial product for the country. Previous studies have relied on molecular markers designed for other species or distant genera like rice, limiting accurate genetic characterization and germplasm conservation. To address this, we developed 50 genome-specific molecular markers based on the recently released whole genome sequence assembly of Abaca var.

Travel Burden of Radiation Therapy in the Philippines.

Purpose: Travel burden negatively impacts the stage at diagnosis, treatment, outcome, and quality of life among patients with cancer. Travel burden-quantified as distance, time, and cost of travel-is magnified in low- and middle-income countries like the Philippines, where radiation therapy (RT) resources are lacking and are inequitably distributed.

Methods And Materials: We compared Philippine Radiation Oncology Society data and the population census to determine the distribution and density of RT facilities across the country's 17 regions.