Volume 10 Series 2023

Tubes with separator gels comprised polymer gels that separate serum from formed elements for various diagnostic tests. However, previous studies mentioned that these tubes absorb analytes. Ipomoea batatas' amylopectin has the potential to make a gel. With this, the main objective of this study was to determine the capacity of I. batatas as a serum separator gel for electrolyte determination. This research utilized an experimental design. The researchers extracted starch from I. batatas to create an alternative gel and used seven rabbits as study subjects for separation. Different concentrations, such as 0.18g/mL, 0.20g/mL and 0.22g/mL, were used. Electrolytes tested are sodium, potassium, chloride and ionized calcium. The sample in the starch gel tube was subjected from 1 hour at 25-30ºC to 24 hours at 4ºC to determine its stability. The electrolyte testing was done in the Best Diagnostic Clinic in Tuguegarao City. The statistical method utilized was One-way ANOVA with Post Hoc Test (Tukey) to determine the significant difference and descriptive statistics. Results showed that I. batatas with a 0.18 g/mL concentration separated the serum from blood components among the three concentrations. A One-way ANOVA and the Tukey Post Hoc Test were employed, which shows that sodium and chloride in starch gel tube with 0.18g/mL were significantly different for 1 hour at 25-30C. However, only chloride in the starch gel tube significantly differed in 24 hours at 4C. A repeated-measures ANOVA showed a statistically significant difference between time effects. In conclusion, this shows that time has a significant effect on all the electrolytes. 1 hour at 25-30C significantly affects sodium and chloride while 24 hours at 4C significantly affect chloride only. Also, this study strongly suggests that having a specific procedure to control the temperature and viscosity of the gel and use another diluent electrolyte-free to avoid interference.

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA) is the additive used in complete blood count (CBC). Averrhoa bilimbi (Kamias) contains oxalate which can be an alternative source of the anticoagulant. This is an experimental research that aimed to assess the efficacy of Kamias ethanolic fruit extracts (KEFE) as an alternative anticoagulant to be tested in various CBC parameters and microscopical analysis of cells. Fresh Kamias fruit ws dried, pulverized, soak in ethanol for 2 days, and rotary evaporated. Comparisons of different concentrations of KEFE-treated blood (20, 30, and 40 uL) were compared with the EDTA-treated blood. The blood samples were collected with three volunteered participants with normal physical examination from Sta. Maria, Isabela. The identity and information accumulated will be disclosed to anyone. Thus, standard precaution was strictly monitored before, during, and after the procedure which also included the proper sanitation and disposal of waste. The clotting time of the different concentrations and EDTA-treated specimens were observed for more than 24 hours which proved its acticoagulation activity. Complete blood count testing was done using a semi-automated machine. The test parameters such as RBC, WBC, platelet, Hgb, Hct, MCV, MCH, MCHC were within normal range and it was analyzed using One-way ANOVA. Thus, the result showed no significant difference in the different parameters of the CBC test except in the platelet count. Microscopic analysis of blood smears treated with KEFE was conducted under the expertise of a certified pathologist. The observed blood smears exhibited distinctive platelet aggregation and disintegration patterns. Due to this, the KEFE has a comparable anticoagulation activity towards EDTA. The Kamias, KEFE, is a feasible alternative anticoagulant for CBC testing.

Saccharum officinarum, commonly known as sugarcane is an agricultural crop that is mainly used for sugar production, while Cocos nucifera L. or known as coconut water is a natural beverage that contains carbohydrates and protein, which are all needed for the growth of fungi. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the potential of sugarcane bagasse with coconut water in supporting the growth of Candida albicans to produce a cheaper alternative to Sabouraud’s dextrose agar (SDA) using an experimental design. The experiment was performed at Department of Science and Technology 02 – Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory. This study used different ratio concentrations of sugarcane bagasse and coconut water mixture (75:25, 50:50, and 25:75), each concentration contains 4g of glucose from powdered sugarcane bagasse and coconut water 76.5mL and, 63mL, and 29.5mL of distilled water, respectively and are compared to the control SDA. The Candida albicans was inoculated in every mixture and evaluation of the colony on the first to seventh day to macroscopically observe the colony diameter of Candida albicans. Data was analyzed statistically using One Way ANOVA continued by Post hoc test. Since the p-value is .000 and is less than the alpha value of 0.01, the results showed that the mean colony diameter of the treatment is significantly different for at least one treatment. The Post hoc analysis test result revealed that 50:50 with a p-value of 0.0001* and 25:75 sugarcane bagasse and coconut water mixtures with a p-value of 0.0001 have a significant difference with negative control, while gave no significant value with SDA. This result proves that the mean fungal growth of C. albicans is influenced by the various concentrations of the sugarcane bagasse and coconut water. The upcoming studies may also include the colony factor unit and microscopic morphology of the C. albicans.

Garlic has a wide spectrum of nutritional properties, including carbohydrate, fat, protein, minerals, and vitamins. Thus, it has been utilized worldwide not only as a food supplement but also therapeutically. The present study aimed to determine the potential of garlic (Allium sativum) bulbs for use as a food supplement in two different dosage forms: syrup and elixir. Both samples were examined regarding nutritional composition, physical characteristics, and temperature stability through qualitative and quantitative analysis, quality control tests, and sensory evaluation. For the physical characteristics, most were in accordance with the official standards defined in the US Pharmacopoeia (USP). Specifically, the elixir's pH (6.79), viscosity (0.5 poise), alcohol content (23.28%), and specific gravity (1.16) exceeded the official standards of 6-7, 0.5–0.6poise, and 4–40%. Both the syrup’s pH (6.68) and the viscosity (0.25 poise) were satisfactory based on the standards of 6-7 and 0.245poise, respectively. However, its specific gravity (1.26) fell short of the standard (1.313). Furthermore, there was no apparent difference between the two formulations when tested at different temperatures, with mean values of both 5.0 (highly acceptable) when stored in an oven and refrigerated and 4.4 (acceptable) at room temperature. Each 5mL of syrup formulation (0.5g garlic extract) had higher carbohydrate (3.165g), calorific values (0.01265kcal), potassium (0.585mg), and ash content (0.00455g) than the elixir with 2.96g, 0.01185kcal, 0.4735mg, and 0.0035g, respectively. However, the elixir’s fat and moisture content (0.000955g and 2.03g) were higher than the syrup (0.00357g and 1.83g), while their protein and vitamin C content were comparable (both less than 0.004375g and 0.025mg). Therefore, there is no significant difference in the nutrient contents of garlic bulb (A. sativum) supplements elixir and syrup, having means of 0.689 and 0.703, respectively. Hence, whether as a syrup or an elixir, garlic bulb has the potential to be formulated as a food supplement.

MANGIFERA INDICA Linn, commonly known as Carabao Mango, is known to possess antimicrobial activity. The study determined the antibacterial activity of the seed kernel of Carabao Mango ethanolic extract when formulated as a topical ointment. Experimental test design was used in the study. Three concentrations were formulated (1%, 2%, 5%) which were then subjected to paper disc diffusion assay to determine the antibacterial activity of the ointment. It was further subjected to organoleptic tests and skin irritability testing. Through the paper disc diffusion assay, the results showed an average mean of zone of inhibition (ZOI) against Staphylococcus aureus for the ointments with concentration 1% and 2% was 6 millimeters and for 5% it was 19 millimeters. This indicated that 1% and 2% ointments have an inactive inhibitory activity as compared to positive control (Mupirocin) which had 44 millimeters, indicating a very active inhibitory activity. The 5% ointment had a higher ZOI compared to the other two concentrations, indicating active inhibitory activity. However, it was still lower compared to the positive control. Using One-Way ANOVA and Tukey HSD multiple comparisons, the researchers obtained a p-value of 1.000 and .07658 for the comparison of the different concentration and the positive control (Mupirocin). The result indicated a significant difference between the groups. In conclusion, the Carabao mango ethanolic seed extract when formulated as a topical ointment showed an antibacterial property against S. aureus, at 5% concentration.

Banana plant, which is a very abundant plant in Cagayan soil, is one of the emerging potential sources of phenolic antioxidants in recent research. Reactive Oxygen Stress is a subset of free radicals that contain oxygen which have the potential to bind to and destroy cell components, causing skin dryness, wrinkles, and premature aging. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant activity of Banana (Musa sapientum) peel methanolic extract formulated as a topical gel through metal chelating, ABTS free radical scavenging, and DPPH assay. It was further subjected to physical property and bioassay tests. Among the three antioxidant testing, the different concentrations (25%, 50%, and 75%) of the gel formulation did not exhibit metal chelating activity; however, it has shown that the gel formulation with 75% concentration on DPPH antioxidant assay and 50% concentration on ABTS free radical scavenging assay has antioxidant activity. Using One-Way ANOVA and Tukey HSD multiple comparisons, the researchers obtained a p-value of 1.000 and .08562 to compare the different concentrations and the positive control (vitamin E), indicating a significant difference. In conclusion, when formulated as a topical gel, the Banana (Musa sapientum) peel methanolic extract exerts an antioxidant activity.

COVID-19 pandemic as global coronavirus outbreak which led schools to discontinue face-to-face transactions due to lockdowns. As COVID-19 cases subsided, schools gradually opened face-to-face classes with the implementation of the Department of Health's (DOH's) Minimum Public Health Standard (MPHS) to minimize the spread of the virus. However, DOH revealed that MPHS compliance has decreased by 20%, which might lead to a significant increase in cases. This study evaluated the implementation of the MPHS by identifying the personal and organizational factors that affect undergraduate students' adherence to MPHS at the University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao. The researchers utilized a quantitative descriptive design to gather data. A stratified random sampling was used in identifying the respondents who answered a researcher made questionnaire based on similar studies conducted. The profile variables and responses were analyzed through frequency and percentage. Meanwhile, a Chi-square was utilized to test the significant association of the personal and organizational factors to the adherence of respondents when grouped according to profile variables. The findings revealed that the most common personal factor is perceived behavioral control while the most common organizational factor is the school's orientation program on COVID-19 protocols. It also showed no significant association between the personal and organizational factors and the adherence of respondents when grouped according to profile variables. This suggests that the university conducts activities where the factors that can contribute to students' adherence to protocols is incorporated and that these are relevant to all undergraduate students despite their profile variables.

The widely known tropical disease in the Philippines, dengue, has been addressed through community awareness campaigns promoting dengue preventive practices like the 5S strategy of the Department of Health (DOH). However, a lack of cooperation and empowerment hinders success, necessitating increased awareness and stakeholder involvement. This study assessed the implementation of dengue preventive practices along the 5S strategy of the residents, barangay officials, and barangay health workers of different barangays of Tuguegarao City. The study helps Tuguegarao City's barangays enhance coordination by implementing programs or seminars to improve collaboration and dengue practices in the community. A descriptive-quantitative study was conducted using stratified random sampling involving 365 heads of households and 93 barangay officials and health workers (BHW) in three barangays with the highest dengue cases (San Gabriel, Ugac Sur, and Ugac Norte) and three barangays with the lowest dengue cases (Centro 6, Centro 7, and Centro 8). The research tool focused on the 5S components: search and destroy, seek early consultation, secure self-protection, sustain vector control measures, and sustain hydration that undergone a clarity and validity assessment that experts evaluated. Statistical treatments included frequency count, percentage, mean, t-test, and ANOVA. Results indicated good implementation of dengue preventive practices under the 5S Strategy among residents, with excellent levels observed among barangay officials and BHW. While the study yielded relatively positive results, the high number of dengue cases suggests additional contributing factors. Population growth leading to limited housing space and potential breeding sites in outdoor areas may compromise the effectiveness of preventive measures. The preventive practices were implemented to some extent, but the effectiveness can be compromised if it is not consistently followed or if there are gaps in implementation. Additionally, the study revealed that each barangay employs its strategy for dengue control.

PhilHealth Services are essential in providing health insurance needs for every Filipino. Among all risk pools in the nation, PhilHealth boasts the broadest network of accredited facilities and personnel. As a result, PhilHealth's policies have a wide and possibly substantial impact on how healthcare is provided. This therefore led the researchers to determine the experiences of members regarding the Universal Health Care Services of PhilHealth in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, along with their memberships, contributions, and benefits. Through this, PhilHealth itself will gain better understanding about its members' information needs, medical needs, views, and opinions. This will provide as an avenue for further improvements and regulations in the services they provide. The researchers used purposive sampling method, thereby recruiting 30 informants who are permanent residents of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. This study used a self-made interview guide and open-ended questionnaires. Braun and Clarke’s Six-Process Thematic Analysis was used to analyzed the gathered data. Five major themes were deduced from the verbalizations of the informants which were summarized in the following: (a) PhilHealth Contribution, (b) Lack of Awareness of the Changes in PhilHealth during the Implementation of UHC Law, (c) Availing PhilHealth Benefits, (d) Problems Encountered in Claiming PhilHealth Benefits, (e) Satisfaction with the Services of PhilHealth. Thus, the study showed that there are more positive than negative experiences and satisfaction with PhilHealth. It is also evident that PhilHealth has the capability of delivering high-quality services and significantly lowering the cost of treatment options for these people. It can also be observed that PhilHealth made it simple for its members to join, pay, and receive benefits.

This study aimed to evaluate the program outcome competencies of nursing interns of the university. This quantitative study was conducted among 150 third and fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing interns, who had recent clinical exposure in various hospital departments. The researchers used a 57-item self-assessment questionnaire based on CHED Memorandum Order No. 15 Article 4 Section 7's Competency Standards. The data was analyzed using frequency and percentage distribution to identify the different specified nursing program outcomes and mean for the level of competence. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized to detect significant differences in the competency levels when grouped according to the interns’ profile characteristics. Results showed that the nursing interns have a high level of competency on all the 14 program outcome competencies assessed. Moreover, the nursing interns are most competent in accurately documenting and reporting client care. However, the interns were found to be least competent in application of knowledge from diverse fields in nursing practice and effectiveness in collaborating within varied teams. It was further determined that year level and clinical placement duration influenced specific outcomes. Interns with placements exceeding a year showcased higher competency than those with shorter durations. In can be concluded that despite the curriculum changes, nursing interns displayed high overall competency across program outcomes. This may also imply the effectiveness of pedagogical strategies implemented by the program. However, certain areas may need to be further strengthened to ensure higher level of competencies of the nursing interns before graduation.