Oral Category 3 Abstracts

This study investigates the optimization of processing parameters for a juice blend composed of mulberry (Morus alba L.), carandas plum (Carissa carandas L.), and guyabano (Annona muricata L.). It focuses on identifying juice concentration with the highest total phenolic content, enhanced sensory appeal, and overall product quality. Simplex Lattice Design was used to generate 10 blending ratios evaluated for their total phenolic content and sensory attribute (taste). 

Results revealed that a blending ratio of 68.21% mulberry juice, 5% carandas plum juice, and 26.79% guyabano juice had the highest total phenolic content. The phenolic profile of the optimized blend shows a beverage rich in various bioactive compounds, especially caffeic acid, catechin, gallic acid, and epicatechin. 

The optimized blend is predominantly composed of water, with small amounts of carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and fat, making it ideal as a hydrating, low-calorie beverage. It exhibited a brix value of 14.77°, achieved without the addition of extra sugar. These results offer valuable insights for creating high-quality tropical fruit drinks that cater to consumer preferences for novel flavors and nutrient-dense beverages derived from underutilized fruits like mulberry, carandas plum, and guyabano.

This study examines how physicochemical factors, specifically pH and concentration, affect the nonlinear viscoelastic responses of mango pectin and stem bromelain under large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS). Rather than relying on the common nonlinear viscoelastic analyses, which often lack direct physical interpretability, we employ a streamlined empirical approach using closed-form functions based on moduli-strain and stress-strain relationships. The LAOS behavior of these biopolymer systems can be categorized into distinct types, such as shear thinning and shear thinning with overshoot, based on the evolution of the elastic and viscous moduli. The reduced parameter set of the empirical model enables a more straightforward interpretation of the data and facilitates the identification of trends linked to formulation variables. By systematically varying pH and concentration, we demonstrated that these factors significantly influence the fitted model parameters, which in turn reflect underlying changes in the material's microstructure and viscoelastic properties. This approach provides a practical framework for predicting and tuning the nonlinear viscoelastic behavior of complex fluids, offering valuable insights for applications in food science, pharmaceuticals, and biomaterials engineering.

Eucheuma and Kappaphycus, or eucheumatoids, are well-farmed red seaweeds in Asia due to their high economic importance in the industry and as food for many people. This edible seaweed is a reservoir of bioactive metabolites, but the health impact is not commonly known to local farmers and consumers. This study investigated the environmental and biological factors that can contribute to the utilization of seaweeds to address health problems. Compared the environmental parameters gathered in two seasons and assessed the effects on the phytoconstituents of the ethanolic crude extracts of the farmed eucheumatoids. Assessed the biological activities of the ethanolic crude extracts using the Sprague Dawley rats for anti-thrombocytopenia, and the Institute for Cancer Research mice in the anti-inflammatory tests on egg-albumin-induced paw edema, acetic-acid-induced anti-writhing test for analgesic effect, anti-hyperglycemia activity using the Streptozotocin-induced diabetes, and its potential to reduce implantation losses. The results of the phytochemical analysis from Eucheuma denticulatum var. spinosum (green and brown cultivars) and Kappaphycus alvarezii var. tambalang (vanguard and giant cultivars) showed different concentrations of alkaloids, carbohydrates, Cardiac Glycosides, phenols such as flavonoids and tannins, saponins, terpenoids, proteins, as well as sterols and steroids for lipids. The average physico- chemical parameters from four farms and two seasons, and the degree of phytoconstituents concentration of extracts, showed variations. The used ethanolic crude extracts showed biological effects as tested against in vivo studies of diseases using animal models. Further studies on pharmacological and nutraceutical use are needed to maximize seaweed utilization in addressing health and macro deficiency problems.

The family Cyclophoridae is an operculate terrestrial snail distributed across Africa, Asia, Australia, and various Pacific Islands. The species under this family exhibit various shell forms ranging from discoidal to turbinate. Challenges in species delimitation stems from poorly understood inter- and intraspecific variation in shell morphologies.

In the absence of taxonomic experts, DNA barcoding is considered a rapid and cost-effective method for species identification. This study tested the suitability of short DNA barcodes in identifying and delimiting Cyclophoridae species. Museum collections from various institutions and supplementary fieldwork in Luzon were conducted, to which 75 specimens comprising 25 endemic species of Philippine cyclophorids were analyzed. The mitochondrial cox1 gene (531 bp) was sequenced for all specimens and examined for the presence of a barcoding gap; threshold values for the species delimitation were estimated using three methods: the classical barcoding gap discovery, Automatic Barcoding Gap Discovery (ABGD), and Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning (ASAP).

The dataset comprises 75 sequences generated from this study and 211 sequences downloaded from GenBank. No distinct barcoding gap was found using classical barcoding discovery both in uncorrected and corrected (GTR+Γ+I) datasets. Using the ABGD and ASAP method, a 3.56 to 3.59% intraspecific divergence threshold, respectively, which could correctly distinguish species in 99.1% of the 49,770 species comparisons. 

Six purported species from this study appear to be species complexes based on the thresholds calculated through ASAP and ABGD, warranting further examination of their morphology and phylogeny. Overall, these results support the reliability of cox1 in identifying most morphospecies of the Cyclophoridae and reveal hidden diversity found in the Philippine Cyclophoridae.

Hypoallergenic prophylaxis and probiotics have shown promise in managing allergic conditions. This study evaluates the prophylactic potential of the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii (Sb), genetically engineered to express a modified hypoallergenic form of Suidasia pontifica allergen (Sui p 2), in preventing allergic responses. A 464-bp hypoallergenic Sui p 2 gene construct was cloned into a yeast integrating plasmid (pYIP), digested with StuI, and transformed into Sb using the LiAc/SS transfection method. Expression of the recombinant hypoallergen (rSb) was confirmed by dot blot immunoassay. BALB/c mice were orally administered 2×10⁹ rSb cells and sensitized with the native allergen. Allergic symptoms were evaluated through behavioral assays (nasal scratching and sneezing), lung histology, and immune profiling via ELISA for IgE, IgG, and IgA. Mice treated with rSb exhibited a significant reduction in IgE levels (p < 0.05), along with increased IgG and IgA levels, indicating a shift toward a less allergic immune profile. Lung histology showed significantly (p< 0.05), and fewer sneezing episodes, particularly on day 44 (p < 0.01), compared to controls. Thus, the production of a recombinant hypoallergenic allergen in Sb appears to help regulate allergic responses in a mouse model. Additionally, oral delivery of rSb is associated with a noticeable reduction in allergy symptoms and inflammation, indicating potential as a preventive approach for managing house dust mite-related allergies.

‘Zombie fungi,’ or scientifically known as cordycipitoid fungi, are any fungi belonging to the families Clavicipitaceae, Cordycipitaceae, and Ophiocordycipitaceae within the order Hypocreales. They are entomopathogenic and parasitize insects, forming different fungal growths depending on the species. Currently, there are no records or inventories of cordycipitoid fungi in the Philippines, and the lack of literature often overlooks their importance in assessing insect biodiversity. In this study, we surveyed cordycipitoid fungi in selected areas of Mindanao (Rogongon, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, and Imbayao, Malabalay City, Bukidnon). 

The survey was conducted from August 2024 to February 2025. A mixed sampling design was used, combining opportunistic sampling—based on careful observation around the sampling sites—and purposive sampling, targeting host colonies and individual host stages (larvae, pupae, or adults, including caterpillars, beetles, bugs, dragonflies, cicadas, ants, and spiders). Macrophotographs of infected hosts and their environments were captured using a digital camera with 1x and 4x magnification. Observations included GPS coordinates (longitude and latitude) and elevation data collected with an eTrex 10. Infected host samples were stored in sterile Falcon tubes with cotton plugs, handled with sterile forceps, and kept at 4°C. The taxa of the collected species were identified by a mycologist based on macroscopic morphological features. Hosts were identified at the order level. 

Based on macromorphological evidence, two families were recorded: Ophiocordycipitaceae and Cordycipitaceae. Ophiocordycipitaceae included three genera (Ophiocordyceps, Purpureocillium, and Hirsutella), while Cordycipitaceae included four genera (Cordyceps, Akanthomyces, Gibellula, and Torrubiella). Ophiocordyceps had 6 suspected species, Purpureocillium 1, and Hirsutella 5. Cordyceps had 2 suspected species, Akanthomyces 1, Gibellula 2, and Torrubiella 1. The insect hosts were diverse, spanning orders such as Hemiptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, and Araneae. 

Based on the preliminary results, This study documents the first recorded occurrence of cordycipitoid fungi in the Northern Mindanao, Philippines, providing valuable baseline data on cordycipitoid fungal biodiversity in the region. Two fungal families were identified: Ophiocordycipitaceae and Cordycipitaceae, which include seven genera and at least 18 suspected species. The presence of multiple genera indicates a potentially underexplored cordycipitoid fungal fauna in the Philippines.

Figure 1. Uvaol

The development of suitable materials for 3D printing of scaffolds has become an essential focus in tissue engineering. One of the key challenges in this area is creating inks that are not only biocompatible but also possess desirable mechanical properties for supporting tissue growth. This study focused on developing carrageenan-based composite biomaterial inks, specifically using iota-carrageenan (IC) and amidated low-methoxyl pectin (ALMP), for extrusion-based 3D printing applications. The ink’s rheological properties were evaluated through bulk rheology, viscosity testing, and viscosity recovery tests, which collectively demonstrated shear-thinning behavior, gel-like characteristics, and the ink’s ability to recover its structure after shear stress removal. The bioink exhibited favorable extrudability and printability, with consistent filament formation under varying pressure conditions. Pore printability analysis and spreading ratio measurements indicated that the inks performed well within accept able ranges for 3D printing applications. Additionally, cell viability tests confirmed the bioink’s nontoxicity, with cells maintaining viability above 90%. These results suggest that the IC-ALMP bioink is a promising candidate for 3D printing scaffolds in tissue engineering, offering a balance of rheological properties, printability, and cytocompatibility. Future research will focus on optimizing the bioink formulation, exploring the long-term stability of printed structures, and integrating cells into 3D scaffolds for tissue regeneration

Staphylococcus aureus is a clinically significant pathogen whose ability to form biofilms contributes to strong surface adhesion and antibiotic resistance. The rise of resistant strains underscores the need for alternative, bio-based strategies to prevent bacterial colonization. Mangrove ecosystems, though underexplored, host diverse microorganisms, including sponge-associated actinomycetes that produce compounds like polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) with anti-adhesive potential. This study evaluated the anti-adhesive activity of PHB extracted from actinomycetes isolated from the mangrove sponge Haliclona sp. Eight isolates were purified, comprising six Streptomyces and two Nocardiopsis species. Three isolates namely MSAA_1, MSAA_2, and MSAA_6 tested positive for PHB production via Sudan Black B staining. Among them, MSAA_6 showed the highest PHB accumulation (36.24%), followed by MSAA_2 (21.79%) and MSAA_1 (16.79%). Biochemical and molecular analyses identified MSAA_6 as Streptomyces variabilis, and FTIR analysis confirmed its PHB was structurally similar to commercial standards. PHB extracts were assessed for anti-adhesive activity against S. aureus, where MSAA_6 showed the greatest biofilm inhibition (60%, p < 0.0001), significantly higher than MSAA_1 (38%) and MSAA_2 (28%). Microscopic imaging further confirmed minimal biofilm attachment on MSAA_6-derived PHB films. These findings position S. variabilis from mangrove sponges as a promising natural source of PHB with potent anti-adhesive properties, supporting its potential use in biofilm-resistant materials for both biomedical  and industrial applications.

The marine environment contains a vast array of organisms with unique biological properties, offering significant potential to address the growing problem of multidrug-resistant pathogens driven by the misuse of antibiotics. As conventional treatments become increasingly ineffective, marine macroalgae have emerged as promising sources of antibacterial agents. This study investigated the antibacterial activity of Padina japonica and Halimeda discoidea collected from Sacol Island, Zamboanga City, Philippines. Macroalgal samples were extracted using ethanol, hexane, and ethyl acetate solvents. Crude extracts were tested for their antibacterial activity against four bacterial strains – Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative bacteria) and Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis (Gram-positive bacteria) – using a modified microtiter plate resazurin assay. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined and compared to ciprofloxacin as a positive control. Results displayed different degrees of antibacterial activities of different extracts against different bacteria with MIC values of 0.16-3.61 mg/mL. Among the extracts, the hexane extract of P. japonica exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis (0.16 mg/mL). Also, its ethanol extract showed high activity against S. aureus (0.16 mg/mL). Statistical analyses (One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s pairwise test) revealed a comparable antibacterial activity with Ciprofloxacin (p value > 0.05). Thus, P. japonica and H. discoidea possess promising antibacterial properties supporting further exploration of macroalgae as sustainable sources of alternative antibacterial agents. However, further tests are necessary to validate these findings.

Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.), a leafy vegetable known for its mucilage content and functional properties, was evaluated as a fat replacer in cake bar formulations. Three variants were prepared using jute mucilage at 0 g (control), 50 g (Formulation 1), and 100 g (Formulation 2) fat replacement. Samples were subjected to microbiological counts, sensory evaluation, physicochemical characteristics, nutrients, and mineral analysis. All samples were microbiologically safe. The sensory evaluation showed that Formulation 1 does not significantly differ from the control regarding color, appearance, odor, texture, taste, and overall liking. In contrast, Formulation 2 exhibited significant differences from both cake bar variants in all the sensory aspects. Based on these results, only the control and Formulation 1 underwent further analysis.

Formulation 1 exhibited higher moisture (29.2 g/100 g), water activity (0.900), protein (5.8 g/100 g), calcium (80.6 mg/100 g), and carbohydrate contents (49.6 g/100 g) compared to the control. Total fat significantly decreased to 14.4 g/100 g, contributing to a reduced energy value of 351.3 kcal/100 g. Other nutrients like ash and iron decreased to 0.97 g/100 g and 4.16 mg/100 g, respectively. The total dietary fiber showed no significant difference between the two variants, but Formulation 1 has a higher numerical value of 1.20g/100g.

The initial findings suggest that jute mucilage can partially replace fat in baked products while maintaining acceptable sensory characteristics and yielding potential nutritional benefits. Further in vivo glycemic index testing will be performed on Formulation 1 to evaluate its functionality. 

Allergic asthma is a Th2-mediated immune response characterized by airway inflammation, often resulting in decreased quality of life for patients.  Der p 1 and Der p 2 major allergens from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus trigger allergic asthma symptoms. The recombinant fusion allergen Der p 2/1S is a promising hypoallergen with decreased IgE reactivity.  In this study, we expressed the hypoallergen Der p 2/1S in the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii to be used as a prophylaxis agent against the Dp allergen-induced asthmatic BALB/c mice. Immunoglobulin profile from blood sera and fecal extracts was analyzed, and splenocytes were assessed for IFN-γ and IL-4 ELISA. Additionally, H&E-stained lung tissue sections were scored according to peribronchial and alveolar thickening, and gut microbiota were determined by 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing. Mice immunized with Sb-Derp2/1S exhibited downregulated IgE and IL-4, while upregulated IgG and IFN-γ with reduced lung inflammation scores. Meanwhile, increased fecal IgA was observed with a balanced gut microbiome characterized by a relative abundance of the Bacillota-Bacteroidota ratio, with enrichment of taxa under Bacteroidales. Therefore, Sb-expressing hypoallergen Der p 2/1S modulated immune responses by shifting to Th1 instead of Th2-causing inflammation that attenuates lung inflammation and maintains gut microbiota. Its potential as a prophylaxis agent is a promising strategy for managing allergic asthma.

The exceptionally rich species diversity of bent-toed geckoes of the genus Cyrtodactylus in Southeast Asia is largely associated with limestone karst, due to the topographic complexity and ecological uniqueness of these landscapes. In the Philippines, karst ecosystems remain poorly studied in terms of richness and ecological information of Cyrtodactylus lizards. Our study on the diversity and ecology of this group from the karst islands of Samal and Talicud in the southern Philippines is among the first in the country. Results of field surveys found a total of four species: Cyrtodactylus annulatus and three putatively novel forms (Cyrtodactylus sp. 1, Cyrtodactylus sp. 2, and Cyrtodactylus sp. 3). These taxa can be divided into two groups in terms of body size for snout-vent lengths: small-bodied (SVL < 75 mm; C. annulatus and Cyrtodactylus sp. 1) and large-bodied (SVL > 105 mm; Cyrtodactylus sp. 2 and Cyrtodactylus sp. 3). Multivariate analyses and pairwise comparisons showed that mensural characters and scale counts consistently distinguish between and within groups of geckoes, affirming taxonomic distinctiveness of the four taxa. Smaller-bodied species are associated with karst vegetation while larger lizards use rocky substrates as primary microhabitats. Non-metric multidimensional scaling revealed associations between caves and canopy cover with temperature, and forest and riparian habitats with tree density and understory cover. The important environmental variable that correlates with the distribution of Cyrtodactylus lizards on Samal Island Group is relative humidity (p = 0.03). Our results show that Samal Island Group has the highest number of known Cyrtodactylus species anywhere in the Philippines, indicating the importance of karst islands to Philippine biodiversity. This study provides new insights on the morphology, ecology, and habitat relationships of Philippine Cyrtodactylus geckoes in karst island ecosystems to enhance ecological studies and conservation efforts for this unique and threatened species and ecosystems.

Grilled chicken intestine or “isaw” is a culturally significant and widely consumed Philippine street food staple. This study in a barangay of Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines, assessed the food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of 13 respondents from 5 “isaw”-vending stalls using a validated questionnaire. The majority of vendors were male (61.54%), aged 19-60, single (53.85%), with varying experience (1-30 years) and income levels. Notably, 69.23% lacked formal food safety training. Higher daily income (ρ = 0.722) and being married (ρ = 0.624) significantly correlated with greater knowledge. Longer experience and management roles were linked to better practices (ρ = 0.755; ρ = 0.662). A strong positive correlation existed between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.779, p < 0.01), but not between knowledge and practices (r = 0.147, p > 0.05) nor attitude and practices (r = -0.258, p > 0.05). GMP/SSOP inspections revealed significant non-conformances. Microbiological analysis (n=30 pre-cooked; n=30 cooked) indicated high prevalence of Salmonella spp. (77.67% pre-cooked, 66.67% cooked), E. coli (90% pre-cooked, 36.67% cooked), and S. aureus (100% pre-cooked, 73.33% cooked). Predictive modeling (ComBase) showed potential for E. coli (doubling time 2.50-3.18 hours pre-cooked, 2.52-2.60 hours cooked) and S. aureus (1.46-2.17 hours pre-cooked, 1.46-1.77 hours cooked) proliferation despite suboptimal water activity. Weak KAP to pathogen prevalence associations suggest other factors influencing contamination. To address these risks, a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan, with grilling process as a CCP, was proposed. The study highlights a critical gap between knowledge and practice, necessitating targeted interventions.

Background: Aedes aegypti serves as the principal urban vector for chikungunya (CHIKV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses. Despite the known vector competence of this species, minimum infection rates (MIRs) for CHIKV and ZIKV in Cebu and Mandaue cities—and their association with climatic factors—remain undetermined.

Methods: From February to May 2025, Ae. aegypti eggs and immature stages were collected using modified ovicidal-larvicidal (O/L) traps from Nasipit, Talamban (Cebu City) and Paknaan (Mandaue City). Samples were reared to adulthood, morphologically identified, and pooled (10–30 mosquitoes per pool). A total of 96 pools were processed, and RNA extraction was successfully completed. Detection of CHIKV and ZIKV was performed using one-step RT-qPCR with validated primer–probe sets. Weather data, including monthly mean temperature, total rainfall, and relative humidity, were retrieved from World Weather Online. MIRs were calculated monthly per 1,000 mosquitoes. Non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis tests and Spearman rank correlations were used to examine associations with weather.

Results: CHIKV was detected in multiple mosquito pools, with higher infection rates associated with increased rainfall. ZIKV was also detected and showed stronger associations with elevated temperature and relative humidity. These trends were consistent across both study sites and aligned with patterns previously reported in secondary vectors.

Conclusions: This study confirms the presence of CHIKV and ZIKV in Ae. aegypti from Cebu and Mandaue cities and highlights significant associations between arboviral MIRs and local weather conditions. These findings emphasize the need to integrate weather-based indicators into targeted mosquito control programs and early disease outbreak interventions.

Chronic inflammatory diseases remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide, highlighting the need for cost-effective treatments from natural products. Fucosterol, from brown alga species, possessed various pharmacological activities, though its anti-inflammatory activity is understudied. Thus, the study evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of fucosterol through in silico, in vitro, and in vivo methods. Through reverse molecular docking, fucosterol exhibited strong binding affinities with pro-inflammatory proteins Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) with -6.3 kcal/mol and -7.4 kcal/mol binding energies, respectively. Moreover, using SwissADME, TOPKAT, and ProTox tools, ADMET profiling revealed fucosterol’s favorable drug-likeness profile from its pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties. MTT assay on HEK293 cells and acute toxicity assay on zebrafish embryos showed that fucosterol exhibits a concentration-dependent effect with an IC50 value of 279.90 μg/mL (p = < 0.01) and 96-hour LC50 value of 173.60 μg/mL (p = < 0.01), respectively. Through ELISA, fucosterol’s biphasic response in reducing cytokine concentrations was revealed in LPS-induced HEK293 cells, with significantly different 24-hour and 48-hour IC50 values of 5.86 and 73.36 μg/mL (p = < 0.05) for IL-6, and 2.59 and a predicted value of 0.02 μg/mL (p = < 0.05) for IL-1β. In contrast, fucosterol demonstrated a reduction in IL-6 and IL-1β in LPS-induced zebrafish embryos, with a comparable 24-hour and 48-hour IC50 values of 34.54 and 30.28 μg/mL (p = 0.33), and 29.39 and 29.61 μg/mL (p = 0.38), respectively. This highlights fucosterol's potential in downregulating inflammatory cytokines, likely through the MAPK and NF-κB pathways, suggesting its applicability as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Livestock farming without proper waste management turns freshwater systems into conduits of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) transmission. Among the major chicken/egg producers in the Philippines is the municipality of San Jose, wherein numerous creeks connect to the major river system in Batangas province. That said, this study aimed to determine the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), genes (ARGs), and antibiotic residues in one of the freshwater systems near smalland large-scale poultry farms via culture-dependent assays, DNA sequencing techniques, conventional PCR, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS). All sampling sites were dominated by Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, Patescibacteria, and Verrucomicrobiota, implying a stable microbiome that may serve as a barrier against AMR pollution. However, among the 53 Gramnegative isolates, 27 were resistant to either streptomycin or co-trimoxazole. Five of them were resistant to both and positive for streptomycin (strA, strB) and sulfonamide (sul1, sul2) resistance genes, indicating multiple drug resistance. Additionally, ARG detection in environmental DNA showed that the copy number of these ARGs, particularly strA and strB, was relatively higher compared to similar studies. Phylogenetic analysis also revealed that these genes are closely related to the same genes from human and livestock samples. Lastly, this pattern of resistance is corroborated by the dominance of aminoglycoside and sulfonamide residues in the upstream and downstream, respectively. Altogether, these findings indicate the occurrence of AMR pollution in the environment, which further necessitates the need for a One-Health approach.

Livestock farming without proper waste management turns freshwater systems into conduits of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) transmission. Among the major chicken/egg producers in the Philippines is the municipality of San Jose, wherein numerous creeks connect to the major river system in Batangas province. That said, this study aimed to determine the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), genes (ARGs), and antibiotic residues in one of the freshwater systems near smalland large-scale poultry farms via culture-dependent assays, DNA sequencing techniques, conventional PCR, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS). All sampling sites were dominated by Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, Patescibacteria, and Verrucomicrobiota, implying a stable microbiome that may serve as a barrier against AMR pollution. However, among the 53 Gramnegative isolates, 27 were resistant to either streptomycin or co-trimoxazole. Five of them were resistant to both and positive for streptomycin (strA, strB) and sulfonamide (sul1, sul2) resistance genes, indicating multiple drug resistance. Additionally, ARG detection in environmental DNA showed that the copy number of these ARGs, particularly strA and strB, was relatively higher compared to similar studies. Phylogenetic analysis also revealed that these genes are closely related to the same genes from human and livestock samples. Lastly, this pattern of resistance is corroborated by the dominance of aminoglycoside and sulfonamide residues in the upstream and downstream, respectively. Altogether, these findings indicate the occurrence of AMR pollution in the environment, which further necessitates the need for a One-Health approach.

Hexavalent chromium is a widely used industrial contaminant known to have genotoxic and teratogenic properties. Unfortunately, limited studies have explored its effects on palatogenesis and its ability to cause orofacial clefts – the most common congenital malformation in the Philippines. This study investigates the effects of Cr(VI) on palate formation by using zebrafish embryos as a model for human craniofacial development. After determining the sublethal concentration, embryos were exposed to 10 mg/L and 20 mg/L Cr(VI) across two exposure windows: one targeting the entire palatogenic program  (4-96hpf), and another targeting the later stages of palatogenesis (48-96hpf). Alcian blue cartilage staining and morphometric analyses revealed no significant differences in ethmoid plate length or width among groups; however, cleft phenotype classification indicated a higher incidence of moderate clefting in groups treated with Cr(VI), particularly in the full exposure set-up. Gene expression analyses using RT-qPCR indicated elevated levels of oxidative stress markers (sod1, sod2) and varied expression of apoptosis (caspase3), neural crest development (dlx2a), and chondrogenesis (sox9a) markers in Cr(VI) treated groups, indicating molecular disruptions in craniofacial patterning and cartilage formation. While not all changes were statistically significant, consistent trends suggest oxidative stress and apoptosis as possible mechanisms underlying Cr(VI)-induced craniofacial defects. These findings demonstrate that Cr(VI) can induce cleft palate-like phenotypes in zebrafish, with effects dependent on the concentration and timing of exposure. This study highlights the utility of zebrafish as a model for developmental toxicity which can be used to identify definitive mechanisms and ameliorative approaches.

Vitamin K2, particularly in the form of menaquinone-7 (MK-7), is essential for calcium metabolism and supports bone and cardiovascular health. While soybean is the conventional substrate for MK-7 fermentation, marine sources like Halymenia durvillei remain underexplored. This study investigated MK-7 production in H. durvillei fermented with Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051 (HBB) over a 15-day period. Parameters such as pH, total plate count (TPC), and reducing sugar levels were monitored. MK-7 concentration was quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A gradual decrease in pH and a corresponding increase in TPC were observed from day 1 (0.78 ± 0.088 log CFU/mL) to day 9 (2.26 ± 0.088 log CFU/mL), followed by a drop on day 15 (1.34 ± 0.151 log CFU/mL). This trend indicated active microbial metabolism and acid production during early fermentation, followed by reduced viability likely due to nutrient depletion and stress in the marine-based substrate. Reducing sugar levels reflected similar dynamics, where higher microbial activity corresponded with greater sugar utilization. In contrast, unfermented H. durvillei (HB) showed no microbial growth and stable pH and sugar content, highlighting the role of microbial inoculation in substrate conversion.MK-7 was detected in HBB from day 3 to day 12, with a consistent retention time at approximately 19 minutes. Quantified concentrations were day 3 (0.30 ± 0.004 μg/mL), day 6 (0.43 ± 0.012 μg/mL), day 9 (0.42 ± 0.007 μg/mL), and day 12 (0.34 ± 0.016 μg/mL), while MK-7 was absent on days 1 and 15. No MK-7 was detected in the unfermented HB. Soybean-based fermentation yielded earlier and more consistent MK-7 production. These findings demonstrate that H. durvillei can support MK-7 biosynthesis, although less efficiently than soybean, offering a potential marine-based alternative for natural vitamin K2 MK-7 production

Stunting remains a major global health concern, with disruptions in the gut microbiome contributing significantly to its development. This study evaluated the impact of a supplement derived from buffalo milk whey on growth and gut health using a mouse model of undernutrition. Buffalo milk whey, a dairy byproduct often discarded in large volumes, poses environmental risks due to its high nutrient load and biochemical oxygen demand. Repurposing this waste into a functional nutritional supplement offers a sustainable strategy to address both environmental and public health challenges. Mice were subjected to restricted feeding from birth and received fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from stunted Filipino infant donors. Weekly fecal samples were analyzed using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing via Nanopore technology, alongside regular growth measurements. The Undernourished Control group exhibited early overgrowth of Proteobacteria and increased abundance of Escherichia coli and Helicobacter ganmani, corresponding with declining weight-for-age and BMI. Supplementation with ultrafiltered buffalo milk oligosaccharides (BMOS-UF) from buffalo milk whey, rich in sialylated oligosaccharides, significantly improved growth metrics (p ≤ 0.0395), reduced Proteobacteria abundance (p ≤ 0.0136), and increased microbiome alpha diversity (Inverse Simpson Index, p ≤ 0.0463). BMOS-UF also lowered pathogenic E. coli (p = 0.0443) and H. ganmani (p ≤ 0.0498) levels. Later supplementation promoted beneficial taxa, including Lactobacillus genus, Bacteroides uniformis, and Parabacteroides distasonis (p ≤ 0.0498). These findings suggest that early intervention with BMOS-UF can help restore gut microbial balance and promote healthy growth during chronic undernutrition, while offering a sustainable application for dairy industry byproducts.

The Philippines, a megadiverse country with high endemism, houses 22 recognized Amorphophallus species (20 endemic). Despite continuous discovery of new species, phylogenetic relationships and conservation status remain poorly understood, hindering taxonomic classification and effective conservation. This study addressed these knowledge gaps by providing updated distribution and preliminary conservation status, and re-evaluated Amorphophallus phylogenetic positions. Utilizing ArcMap v10.8.2 and GeoCAT, combined with online herbaria, field collection, and protologue data, the study recorded 108 occurrences. Distribution patterns showed A. paeoniifolius (31%) as most frequent, followed by A. longispathaceus (13%), A. rostratus (7%), A. konjac (6%), and A. urceolatus (4%). Luzon has the highest species occurrence (18 spp., nine restricted endemics), followed by Visayas (10 spp., three restricted species) and Mindanao (five spp.). Preliminary conservation status for 11 Amorphophallus species without IUCN assessment was provided. GeoCAT assessments and existing IUCN data indicate 66% of Amorphophallus species are potentially threatened (10 CR, three EN, one VU). Luzon houses the highest number (71% or 10 spp.) of threatened species (six CR, three EN, one VU). The newly sequenced 26 rbcL, 18 matK and 19 ITS1 markers were inferred through Bayesian inference and Maximum Likelihood. Combined analysis of cpDNA and nrDNA from 26 Philippine accessions confirmed polyphyly of Philippine Amorphophallus and recovered key clades. A strongly supported Paeoniifolius– Manta clade included several Philippine species. A. natolii (Palawan endemic) and an unidentified accession (MNM05) formed a clade within subgenus Metandrium, suggesting complex colonization and diversification. Unresolved nodes and polytomies underscore the need for high-resolution genomic tools and expanded taxon sampling.

Toxicometabolomics is an emerging field that evaluates environmental toxicity through large-scale metabolite profiling and their correlation to toxic mechanisms. Among model organisms, zebrafish (Danio rerio) are widely used due to their transparency, high fecundity, and rapid embryonic development that enables cost-effective high-throughput screening. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful instrument that enables the identification and quantification of metabolites. This study assessed the dose-dependent toxicity of 3,4-dichloroaniline (3,4-DCA), a commonly used reference aquatic toxicant used in pesticide and dye production. Embryonic to larval stage zebrafish at 0 and 1 days post-fertilization (dpf) were exposed to 3,4-DCA following an adapted OECD 236 Fish Embryo Toxicity (FET) assay. Separately, exposed larvae (n=100) were pooled, frozen in liquid nitrogen, pulverized, and subjected to liquid-liquid extraction. Aqueous extracts were lyophilized and reconstituted in D₂O with phosphate buffer for NMR analysis. Metabolite identities were confirmed via spectral databases, and statistical pathway analysis was performed using MetaboAnalyst 6.0. Results confirmed dose-dependent toxicity consistent with previous FET assay phenotypes. Toxicometabolomic profiling revealed significant metabolic changes between exposure timepoints, providing insights into the developmental impact of 3,4-DCA.

Agarwood is a valuable resin derived from trees in the genus Aquilaria, many of which are now classified as threatened due to excessive harvesting. This study investigates Aquilaria cumingiana, a Philippine-native tree species with no prior report on its ability to produce agarwood. To assess its potential, endophytic fungi isolated from the host trees were applied through artificial inoculation to induce agarwood formation. A total of 14 fungal species were isolated from the plantation trees and forest trees. Three isolates Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Diaporthe tectonendophytica, and Penicillium oxalicum were selected as bioinoculant. These were formulated as a mixed-culture fungal inoculum (FI) and compared against two control groups: commercial inoculum (CI) and no-inoculum (NI). Agarwood formation was assessed through the appearance and thickness of dark resinous tissue at 3- and 5-months post-inoculation. At 3 months, the fungal inoculum induced the highest resin thickness (5.9 ± 0.50 mm), significantly greater than the commercial inoculum (2.4 ± 1.06 mm) and the no-inoculum control (0.97 ± 0.21 mm). By 5 months, the fungal inoculum continued to show the greatest resin thickness (12.98 ± 7.05 mm), although no significant difference was found between the fungal inoculum and the commercial inoculum (p = 0.266). The results presented herein highlights the potential of fungal inoculation as a sustainable and efficient method for agarwood cultivation, contributing to conservation efforts, sustainable production practices, and economic opportunities for local farmers involved in the agarwood trade.

The skin is constantly exposed to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR), leading to harmful effects such as photoaging and skin cancer. This study evaluated the anti-aging potential of the ethanolic crude extract and solvent partition extracts (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water) of Halymenia durvillei. Freeze-dried samples of H. durvillei were extracted using ethanol through maceration with agitation, then concentrated using a rotary evaporator. The dried crude extract was successively partitioned with solvents of increasing polarity: n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and butanol. Each organic solvent layer was evaporated to obtain the respective fractions (Hex, EtOAc, But-OH), while the aqueous fraction (H2O) was lyophilized. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, and anti-aging potential was evaluated via in vitro enzyme inhibition assays, including tyrosinase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and collagenase. The ethanolic extract (EtOH) demonstrated strong antioxidant activity (IC50 = 3.38 ± 1.08 mg/mL), comparable to ascorbic acid (IC50 = 3.00 ± 0.42 mg/mL), and antioxidant capacity was expressed in ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant capacity (AEAC). EtOH, Hex, and H2O showed very strong, strong, and moderate antioxidant activities, respectively. In enzyme inhibition assays, the H2O partition showed the most potent inhibition of elastase (IC50 = 7.85 ± 0.14 µg/mL) and hyaluronidase (IC50 = 8.30 ± 0.17 µg/mL), while Hex showed notable collagenase inhibition (IC50 = 85.27 ± 0.49 µg/mL). Further studies involving compound identification through High Performance Liquid Chromatography or Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry and mechanistic investigations are needed to support and expand upon these findings.

Lactocaseibacillus rhamnosus CRL1505 (LR1505) is a probiotic and immunobiotic strain known for its remarkable efficiency in regulating and enhancing hosts immune responses against pathogens through oral delivery. It is considered as one of the immune-boosting probiotics that could be explored for COVID-19 vaccine optimization. The present study was done to assess the co-administration feasibility of LR1505 as an adjuvant for the oral yeast COVID-19 vaccine, a vaccine delivery system made of recombinant yeast Saccharomyces boulardii expressing the RBD-spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 virus, and to determine whether their co-administration could induce a significant humoral immune response in BALB/c mice models. Mice blood serum, and fecal samples were used to evaluate the levels of SARS-CoV-2 RBD-specific IgG and IgA antibodies titers using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, since both organisms to be administered are viable, the biological activity of LR1505 and yeast vaccine were also evaluated in vitro. LR1505 has a great survival rate in simulated gastrointestinal conditions and shown to have neutral to very minimal antagonism relationship with S. boulardii in vitro. In addition, results from a cohort of orally vaccinated mice receiving the yeast-based COVID-19 vaccine in combination with LR1505 showed elevated levels in humoral immune responses, such us SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-specific IgA and IgG antibodies. These findings highlight the ability of LR1505 to enhance antibody responses, supporting its potential as an adjuvant for oral yeast-based vaccines. Moreover, they contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the role of probiotics in vaccine enhancement.