University of Santo Tomas

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are clonal disorders of hematopoietic stem cells characterized by aberrant proliferation of myeloid lineages, driven primarily by mutations in JAK2, CALR, and myeloproliferative leukemia, leading to constitutive activation of the JAK-STAT pathway. Emerging evidence highlights mitochondrial dysfunction as a key factor in MPN pathogenesis, contributing to increased reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial DNA mutations, and dysregulated mitochondrial dynamics, which collectively promote clonal expansion and apoptosis resistance. Targeting mitochondrial pathways has gained attention as a therapeutic strategy, with approaches including mitochondria-targeted antioxidants, metabolic inhibitors, and modulation of mitophagy and mitochondrial fission/fusion dynamics. However, challenges such as drug delivery specificity, therapeutic resistance, and off-target effects remain significant. Recent advances in precision medicine, incorporating genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic profiling, offer a more personalized approach to MPN treatment by tailoring interventions to individual mutation patterns. Additionally, novel therapeutic strategies, including gene editing technologies, RNA-based therapies, and nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery systems, hold promise for overcoming current treatment limitations. The integration of artificial intelligence in drug discovery and biomarker identification further enhances the potential for targeted therapies. Future research should focus on refining these strategies, developing reliable biomarkers for patient stratification, and exploring combination therapies that enhance treatment efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. By addressing mitochondrial dysfunction as an underlying driver of MPNs, these emerging approaches have the potential to improve disease management, extend patient survival, and enhance quality of life. Also, this new approach of precision medicine allows patient stratification and ensures that treatments are formed according to the individual disease biology of each patient, which results in overall better outcomes.

Halorubrum salinarum RHB-CT, an archaeon known for its extreme halophilic, neutrophilic, and mesophilic characteristics, was studied for its carotenoids’ potential as singlet oxygen antioxidants. This resilient organism thrives optimally at pH 7, 45 °C temperature, and 25–30% salinity. Optimization revealed that pH 7, 30 °C temperature, and 25% salinity enhanced carotenoid production, likely due to oxidative stress and slower growth at lower temperatures, which in turn stimulate secondary metabolism. Carotenoids identified were haloxanthin (38%), bacterioruberin (BRB) (20%), monoanhydro-bacterioruberin (MABR) (20%), and one unidentified compound (23%). A 40 µM crude extract showed the highest singlet oxygen antioxidant activity at 19.68%, comparable to butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene.

Parentification, where children take on roles typically assumed by parents, can impact emotional and developmental outcomes in both positive and negative ways. Among Filipino college students, who come from collectivist family structures, the experience of parentification may vary according to demographic factors. This study examines four key domains of Filipino parentification scale for college students: sibling-focused parentification (SFP), perceived injustice of parentification (PIP), willingness to contribute to familial obligation (WCFO), and perceived positive impact of parentification (PPIP). A total of 2,419 students from 11 universities across the Philippines’ major islands—Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao—participated in this study. The results reveal significant differences across the dimensions of the Filipino Parentification Scale for College Students (FPScs), based on factors such as gender, number of siblings, birth order, parents’ educational attainment, family income, and type of institution (private vs. state university or college). These findings provide important insights into how demographic factors shape the experiences of parentification among Filipino college students. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for effectively addressing the impact of parentification in collectivist family contexts.

Resumen: esta propuesta pretende arrojar luz sobre una dimensión recientemente descrita en el campo de los estudios del trauma como problemática, a saber, la ausencia de un posicionamiento ético explícito y consistente con las demandas surgidas desde el propio campo de investigación. La revisión bibliográfica ha puesto de manifiesto que hasta el momento se ha buscado responder a esta necesidad por la vía de la ética levinasiana, no obstante, resulta necesario examinar con cuidado esta opción dada la posible inconmensurabilidad teórica entre las ideas de Levinas y las bases conceptuales de los estudios sobre el trauma, las que se asientan sobre fundamentos teóricos de carácter psicoanalítico, como el propio concepto de trauma. Ante esta posible incompatibilidad teórica, se propone la posibilidad de considerar una propuesta sobre la ética proveniente del campo del psicoanálisis, como es aquella formulada por Lacan, la que podría ayudar a resolver la inconmensurabilidad conceptual entre una ética de inspiración levinasiana y los fundamentos teóricos que dan sustento a los Trauma studies.

Across all nations, undergraduate psychology programmes aim to promote the acquisition of foundational psychology competences. Yet, until recently, a universally recognised model outlining essential competences did not exist. The International Collaboration on Undergraduate Psychology Outcomes (ICUPO) addressed this gap by developing the International Competences for Undergraduate Psychology (ICUP) Model. The aim of this article is to provide guidance about how other groups might successfully approach similar efforts to delineate discipline‐specific key competences. We describe the processes that led to the development of the ICUP Model, framed by group development theory (Preparing, Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing Stages), with additional consideration of individual ICUPO Committee member psychological needs for competence , relatedness , and autonomy . Each group development Stage section (a) describes project activities relevant to the characteristics of that Stage, and (b) lists key strategies employed and lessons learned, as well as commentary on psychological needs. To further enhance the value of this endeavour, the Discussion includes (a) commentary on the strengths and limitations of these theories for understanding and enhancing the effectiveness of such project processes, and (b) actionable insights for educational leaders undertaking similar projects.

In this paper, we investigate the gravitational lensing properties of magnetically charged black holes within the framework of nonlinear electrodynamics. We derive the deflection angle and examine the influence of the nonlinear electrodynamics parameter $\xi$ ξ on light bending. We initially employ a geometric approach based on the Gauss–Bonnet theorem to analyze the gravitational deflection of null and timelike particles. This method encapsulates the global characteristics of the lensing effect in an elegant manner. In the subsequent part of the work, we explore the impact of nonlinear electromagnetic corrections on the black hole shadow. Using numerical techniques, we study the behavior of the photon sphere and demonstrate that a reduction in the photon sphere radius leads to a correspondingly smaller shadow. We compare these results with those for the Schwarzschild and Reissner–Nordström black holes, highlighting the distinctive features introduced by nonlinear electrodynamics. Furthermore, we examine the strong deflection limit for light trajectories near these black holes, focusing on the roles of both the magnetic charge Q Q and the nonlinear parameter $\xi$ ξ . Our analysis reveals that the combined effects of Q Q and $\xi$ ξ enhance the strong deflection angle, resulting in a more pronounced lensing effect than that predicted by the classical Reissner–Nordström solution. These findings suggest that the nonlinear interactions may provide a potential observational signature for identifying NED black holes.

This study aimed to identify culturable fungal bioaerosols in airborne particulate matter (PM10) at a university campus located near Bogotá, Colombia, in the northern region of South America. Bioaerosols, which include living organisms or their byproducts, are significant for air quality, affecting human health, ecosystems, and climate. Fungal spores, a major component of bioaerosols, are known to cause respiratory and allergic diseases. Despite their importance, data on fungal bioaerosols in the Andean region of northern South America are limited. Samples were collected using a low-volume air sampler that captured PM10 particles on filters, later analyzed for fungal colony-forming units (CFUs). The highest concentration observed was 900 CFU/m³. Molecular analysis identified predominant fungal genera, including Cladosporium sp., Penicillium sp., Xylariales sp., Aspergillus sp., and Trichoderma sp. Cladosporium species, such as C. asperulatum and C. cladosporioides, were notably abundant and have been associated with allergic reactions. Penicillium brevicompactum and Aspergillus fumigatus, both linked to respiratory irritations and lung infections, were also identified. Additionally, some fungal species detected are pathogenic to vegetation. These findings provide essential insights into airborne fungal species in South America, identifying potential allergenic and pathogenic organisms present on a university campus with a densely populated community regularly exposed to airborne particulate matter. This highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and the implementation of control measures to improve scientific understanding of bioaerosol dynamics and the associated health risks.

In 1892, French naturalist Eugène Simon described samples of cave-dwelling tarantula species collected from Culapnitan Caves in the Philippines, a cave system that is now part of the present-time Libmanan Caves Natural Park (LCNP). One of these is the new monotypic tarantula genus and species of that time, Orphnaecus pellitus Simon, 1892. Based on Simon’s notes and quick observation of the eyes of the syntypes, this species is highly suspected to be troglobitic. In the present study, we rediscovered O. pellitus from its reported site and investigated its troglobitic characteristics. Morphological analysis of O. pellitus shows troglomorphic characteristics which include reduced eye size, attenuated limbs, shortened tactile setae, and diminishing pigmentation. Tolerance to hypoxia and heightened sensitivity to ground movements are the other subterranean adaptations that were observed. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a cladistic relationship among tarantula morphologically identified from the genus Orphnaecus. Our findings provide evidence that O. pellitus is a true troglobitic tarantula reported worldwide, and currently the only one known from Asia. We also report two new species of Orphnaecus, Orphnaecus libmanansp. nov. and the dwarf Orphnaecus tangcongvacasp. nov., collected from the forest grounds of the LCNP. The ecological niche differentiation of theraphosid species in the LCNP is also provided. Our findings are supported by morphology, molecular phylogeny, and ecology.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative disease that causes pain and burden in patients. Aside from surgery, clinicians tout the potential use of platelet-rich plasma. This study explores motivation in terms of perceptions, experiences, and recommendations of KOA patients who received platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as primary care therapy. A qualitative approach via focus group discussion was conducted. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and visualized using MAXQDA. Patients’ motivation for the use of PRP was based on three factors: (1) their perception of PRP as a therapy, (2) their lived experiences post-PRP therapy, and (3) their willingness to recommend PRP to others as a primary care therapy. The elements of each theme were identified and ranked based on how often the patients expressed the same thought, with willingness (f=5), alternative therapy (f=7), and pain (f=27) ranking highest. Physicians’ recommendations, preference for a non-surgical approach, and later on, reduced pain and improved quality of life made them believe in the effectiveness of PRP as primary care therapy to alleviate KOA symptoms.

SARS-CoV-2 infection susceptibility in dogs and cats has been documented, with identified risk factors contributing to transmission dynamics. Understanding viral prevalence and the evolution of emerging variants across pandemic waves can clarify the potential role of pets as reservoirs. This study evaluated 3298 serum samples (1921 dogs, 1377 cats) collected from 2020 to 2024. Samples were analyzed using ELISA and viral neutralization assays, revealing a positivity rate of 2.7%. We assessed neutralizing antibody titers (nAbs) against the Wuhan-Hu-1 and Omicron BA.1 strains, finding higher titers in felines compared to canines. A marked reduction in samples exceeding the detection limit was observed after November 2022. Longitudinal data from up to 30 months in a dog and 15 months in two cats demonstrated sustained antibody responses, with increased nAb titers in 7 of 14 monitored animals. Multivariable logistic regression of 275 samples indicated that a pet’s vaccination status was associated with an increased risk of infection, while spring season, the owner’s number of COVID-19 vaccinations, and the owner’s vaccination status were protective factors. These results emphasize the significance of vaccination strategies for both human and animal health, supporting the One Health approach.

The potential of chitosan-coated liposomes loaded with green tea extract for apple juice fortification was evaluated. Their particle properties, including size, polydispersity index, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency, were analyzed, as well as their physicochemical stability after pasteurization at 75 °C for 15 s and storage at 4 °C for 30 days. In addition, their in vitro digestion behavior and sensory perception were studied against a semi-trained panel. Formulations with 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1% chitosan were analyzed, combined with homogenization processes at 13,500 rpm for 2, 5, and 10 min. The results of the present study indicated that the best encapsulation condition was obtained with 0.1% chitosan and 10 min of homogenization, achieving a particle size of 479.94 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.44, a zeta potential of + 32.70 mV and an encapsulation efficiency of 61.31%. The fortified juice presented 1146.4 mg/L of polyphenols and 58.3% antioxidant capacity. Liposomes in juice under these conditions demonstrated greater thermal and 30-day storage stability. For in vitro digestion, free polyphenols were significantly affected by gastrointestinal conditions, reducing their bioaccessibility to 31.50%. In comparison, uncoated liposomes reached 44.10%, while those with 0.1% chitosan achieved 35.69%. Sensory evaluation showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) between fresh and fortified juice, suggesting that the incorporation of liposomes does not alter product perception. These findings support the viability of chitosan encapsulation as a strategy to improve the stability and bioaccessibility of polyphenols without affecting their sensory acceptability. Graphical Abstract

Crises vary in severity and effects to individuals and the response of people depends also on their intensity. For people in vulnerable populations such as the members of the LGBTQ + community, they experience compounded forms of crisis that may impair their capacity to respond proactively to debilitating situations. In the face of extreme crisis situations, it was revealed that members of the LGBTQ + community, notably middle-aged lesbians and gay men, relied on spirituality to safeguard their psychological health and wellbeing. Thus, in the present study, we explored through a phenomenological research design, the lived experiences of five lesbians and five gay men in relation to psychospiritual wellbeing during extreme crisis event. Qualitative analysis and findings revealed seven superordinate themes, namely (1) Mystical Beliefs in Superstitions and Pseudo-Scientific Advice, (2) Accustomed Activities from Personal Practices, (3) Nostalgic Moments with Significant Others, (4) Driving Models from Real and Fictitious Personalities, (5) Affectionate Connections in Safe Spaces, (6) Liberating Encounters with Nature, and (7) Accidental Interests in New and Unusual Activities. These superordinate themes where then integrated to form The M.A.N.D.A.L.A. Model of Psychospiritual Wellbeing of Middle-Aged Lesbians and Gay men as a basis for future researchers and mental health practitioners in designing psychological interventions and programs meant to address existential needs of middle-aged lesbians and gay men especially in dealing with extreme crisis situations.

Purpose This study aimed to explore the influence of player’s physical performance and coaches’ efficacy expectations in the talent identification and selection process in international football for people with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods Physical performance (5 m and 30 m sprint, change of direction, and dribbling) was assessed for 44 international CP football players belonging to the Spanish U19 (n = 23) and absolute (n = 21) national teams. The CEE about their players’ performance were assessed for the U19 team. Results Players in the absolute team presented higher physical performance (16.7–47.9%; p = 0.01–0.04). CEEs for U19 players’ general ability to play football and future selection correlated to the players’ change of direction and dribbling abilities and to the coaches’ tactical expectations (r = 0.52–0.69; p < 0.05). The players’ dribbling ability and coaches’ tactical expectations were significant predictors of coaches’ expectations about player’s general ability to play football and to be selected for the absolute team (β = 0.55–0.69, p =0 .01–0.03, R² = 30–47%). Conclusion These results may provide important information about the talent identification and selection processes in international CP football.

The detection of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in indigenous populations poses a challenge due to their holistic approach to health, which significantly contrasts with the Western biomedical model. Moreover, conventional assessment tools often overlook cultural particularities, compromising their effectiveness in these contexts. Objective Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of the GAD-7 in the Quechua indigenous population of the Peruvian Andes. Method To address this issue, we conducted a case-control study to evaluate the clinical accuracy of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Test (GAD-7) in rural Quechua communities of the Peruvian Andes. We included 147 GAD patients and 322 controls. The study involved four stages: cultural adaptation of the GAD-7, door-to-door evaluation, blind psychiatric and neuropsychological assessments, and application of the Quechua GAD-7. The adaptation used the Delphi method, focus groups, and bilingual judges. Factor analyses, reliability assessments, and diagnostic utility evaluations were performed. Results The Quechua GAD-7 showed high content validity (Aiken’s V > 0.85), strong internal consistency (α = 0.912, ω = 0.85), and an area under the curve of 0.93. With a cutoff score of 11, it achieved 91.3% sensitivity and 86.1% specificity. Conclusions This is the first study to validate a Western test for GAD in indigenous populations.

Several factors are attributed to the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but its association with the ABO blood group is still unexplored. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis to examine this association. Relevant articles were obtained from various databases until April 5, 2025. All related data were extracted by two authors and summarized in a customized spreadsheet. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed and interpreted. The pooled analysis showed homogeneity in the outcomes. Pooled ORs show that pregnant women with non-blood type O showed more significant associations than those with blood type O. Overall, the present meta-analysis suggests that individuals with non-blood type O have an increased risk of developing GDM compared to those with blood type O. However, further studies stratifying populations based on insulin resistance, gut microbiota, and inflammation in association with ABO and GDM development are needed to confirm these claims.

People with disabilities face various barriers that hinder or prevent access to physical activity, impacting their quality of health and life. This study aimed to examine the barriers to physical activity experienced by Chilean athletes with disability. The sample consisted of 35 Chilean athletes with disability. The participants answered the Physical Activity Questionnaire for People with Mobility Impairments (BPAQ-MI) to assess perceptions of social ecological subdivided into four levels. Sex, the type of sport practice, the region where live, the type of disability, and the physical disability were considered. The organizational level was the main barrier according to the ecological level, with the lack of adaptation of outdoor spaces and the lack of information or inclusive advertising in the sports center being the main barriers identified. An effect of the type of disability on the social ecological barriers was observed, with differences between the non-wheelchair user and wheelchair user groups. The organizational and community context were the main perceived barriers. Thus, it is considered relevant to generate actions for specific interventions in order to promote the practice of physical activity and reduce the main barriers identified in the different contexts within the community.

Climate change threatens food security and crop yield, negatively affecting the coffee industry in the Philippines for the last decade. Herein, species distribution modeling was implemented to map the potentially suitable habitats for cultivating the three topmost coffee crops (Coffea arabica, C. liberica, and C. canephora) in the Philippines under current and future scenarios. After scanning the literature, field records and occurrence points from local reports yielded a final 45 occurrence points for the three Coffea spp. Using the software ArcGIS and MaxEnt, the AUC values for all models yielded moderate values (0.693–0.825), indicating the reliability and robustness of the prediction. After employing the test for multicollinearity, among the four bioclimatic and two topographical environmental predictors, LULC has the most percent contribution for C. arabica. At the same time, soil types are the most important covariate for C. liberica and C. canephora. With the exemption of C. canephora, the predictive maps revealed a general decrease in habitat suitability for the optimistic (SSP 126) and pessimistic (SSP 585) future climatic scenarios of all Coffea species. Models in this study can be used as a scientific basis to propose mitigating and monitoring strategies to counter the adverse effects of climate change on the ecological and economic value of the ailing coffee industry of the country.

Protected areas are the frontlines of biodiversity conservation, featuring critical landscapes and microhabitats that are fitted for the survival of the organisms that have restricted populations. The determination of land suitability and habitat connectivity in these protected areas are important for species with specialized adaptive behavior that requires favorable conditions to survive. The Bubalus mindorensis is a critically endangered bovine of the Philippines which utilizes mud or water puddles to address heat stress through body submersion, known as wallowing. With Mts. Iglit-Baco National Park (MIBNP) harboring the largest remaining subpopulation of the tamaraw, the preservation of its natural landscapes is critical for tamaraw survival. Here, the potential wallows in MIBNP were determined using the weighted overlay analysis (WOA) assisted by the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Using environmental variables that were influential to the creation of wallows, an equal-weighed scenario and an AHP-assisted scenario wallow suitability map was generated. Moderate and highly suitable areas were found at the north-central portion of the mountain, coinciding with the current and future conservation zones of the tamaraw, whereas low suitable areas dominate the other half, aggregating at the corners due to build areas and agriculture. The result of the study provides supplementary information in constructing future conservation strategies for an endemic species with global importance, particularly in its possible range expansion within the park. Furthermore, this study provides a framework for future conservation efforts, which helps in the management of critical landscapes for species with specialized adaptive behaviors through GIS-based multicriteria decision-making.

Since its launch in November 2022, Chat Generative Pretrained Transformer (ChatGPT) has rapidly become an attractive artificial intelligence (AI) tool for students around the globe. This chatbot is becoming more and more popular because of its ability to generate science-related texts practically indistinguishable from human-produced texts. While a major shortcoming of texts generated by ChatGPT is that these can contain false and/or inaccurate scientific information, very little is known about how to promote critical reading of science-related texts produced by this AI tool. We aimed at showing that the construction of scientific argument maps—visual representation of scientific argument structure—can be used to foster critical reading of these texts. The data were drawn from the argument diagrams constructed by 44 undergraduates (27 females and 17 males, 17–23 years old) during an introductory science course and audio recordings of student discussions as part of the process of co-creation of argument maps. The findings suggest that argument mapping effectively supported participants’ critical reading of ChatGPT‐generated texts while engaged them in the construction of arguments, the anticipation of counterarguments, and the production of rebuttals. This study contributes to the literature on scientific AI literacy—the combination of scientific literacy with AI literacy —by providing insights into how to engage students in the critical reading of science-related texts produced by generative AI technology.