The relationship between cerebral neuroregulatory factors and breast milk composition remains poorly understood. Prolonged stress adversely affects both the maternal organism and milk quality. This study aimed to investigate changes in the milk chemical composition of mice predisposed to affective disorders (TPH2 heterozygous) under chronic stress conditions, compared to unstressed heterozygous and wild-type (WT) controls. C57BL/6 mice heterozygous for TPH2 (Het, n=5) were subjected to daily isolation stress from postpartum days 2 to 9; unstressed Het (n=5) and WT (n=5) mice served as controls. Milk samples were collected on day 10 and analyzed using Raman spectroscopy (785 nm wavelength). Milk from TPH2 Het mice lacked characteristic peaks of specific proteins and fatty acids but exhibited a higher fatty acid ratio than WT milk, indicating altered milk composition associated with changes in offspring nerve fiber myelination components. Stress exposure in TPH2 Het females increased the intensity of saturated fatty acid peaks in milk. These findings demonstrate altered milk nutritional composition in TPH2 Het females, with stress exposure revealing a compensatory mechanism affecting milk lipid profiles.

Bivalve molluscs (Bivalvia) are a group of invertebrates that can be found in freshwater and saltwater habitats. Due to their filter-feeding and sessile lifestyle, bivalve molluscs have been the subject of numerous studies to monitor their response to environmental changes, thereby developing potential early warning systems for aquatic pollution based on living organisms. Such systems often record the closing of bivalve mollusc shells as an indicator of the molluscs' reaction to changing environmental conditions. This study analysed the possibility of using the bivalve mollusc Pecten jacobaeus (Linnaeus, 1758) in a pilot early warning system. Four experiments were conducted on six specimens to study the reactions of P. jacobeus specimens to the presence of selected substances in the environment. Three specimens were assigned to both the experimental and control groups. In the first experiment, the reactions of the shellfish to gradually reduced salinity for twenty minutes were monitored. In the second experiment, the responses of the shellfish to an increase in the amount of alcohol in seawater for fifteen minutes were observed. In the third experiment, the reaction of the scallops to the addition of microplastics was monitored for twenty minutes. In the fourth, the responses to the addition of sunflower oil to seawater were monitored. A custom system utilising Hall sensors and an Arduino microcontroller was developed to monitor the opening and closing of the shells. The system registered each closing of the shells on a personal computer. The experiments recorded the reaction of the shellfish to a decrease in salinity and the presence of alcohol, which was manifested by the closure of the shells. No response to microplastics and oil was recorded in the experiments. This pilot study has demonstrated the potential of using the closure of scallop shells as an indicator of environmental changes.

An extensive survey was carried out during 2022-2023 for the collection and identification of insects associated with the peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) plant in Guilan province, North of Iran. A total of 36 species belonging to 35 genera and 12 families were collected and identified. Among the identified species, 22 are predators (beneficial) and 14 are pests (harmful). Considering the species spectrum, the order Hemiptera has been reported as the most prevalent insect order with 17 species followed by Coleoptera with 13 species, Lepidoptera with three species, Thysanoptera with two species and Diptera with one species. Among the identified insects, Macroscytus brunneus (Fabricius) is newly recorded for the insect fauna of Iran and 33 species are reported from Iran for the first time in association with peanut plants. An alphabetic list of the identified insect species and collection information has been provided.

SARS – CoV-2 is a pathogenic coronavirus which continuously evolves as changes in the genetic code occur during the replication of the genome. To monitor and detect this infection a combination of 3 parameters is used in Albanian Clinical Practice. Real-Time PCR analysis is the main standard for the identification of SARS-CoV-2- infection. Because of the limits in its utilization for large-scale screening, serological assays have been used for detecting SARS-CoV-2 presence, accompanied by the monitoring level of White blood cells, Red blood cells and CRP (C-reactive Protein) check. This study aims to choose and highlight the best methodology and its efficiency in COVID-19 diagnostics. Nasopharyngeal samples were collected from 1198 patients which were analyzed after with RT-PCR. After 90 of these patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus blood samples were collected from them to perform biochemical analysis. Only 55 of them were subjected to CLIA serological assay. As a result, 49 (89.1%) patients were positive only for IgG, 4 (7.3%) patients were positive for both antibodies IgG and IgM and only 2(3.6%) patients were negative for both antibodies, based on serological results. The level of CRP varied from X- to 25.09 mg/L ad the most affected group of immunological cells were monocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils along with red blood cells, hematocrit and hemoglobin. However, both molecular and biochemical assays had better performance 8-10 days after symptoms appearance, meanwhile, the serological assay was more predictable at least 10 days after symptoms appearance. In conclusion, the three methodologies used separately are limited in usefulness when diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection but a combination of them is the most effective way to diagnose this virus.

This study was conducted to quantify and characterize microplastics in the water column, sediments, and milkfish ingestion from Pontevedra, Roxas, Ivisan, and Sapian ponds, aimed to provide a baseline report on microplastic pollution. Microplastic contaminants, such as fragments, pellets, and fibers, were extracted and analyzed from water samples, sediments, and fish tissues. Water column samples and sediments were collected from the field, and fish gills and gastrointestinal tracts were dissected in the lab for processing. The results showed varying levels of microplastic contamination across the four sites. Roxas exhibited the highest total particle count, with 109 particles. Roxas also had the highest microplastic contaminants in sediment samples, with 36 contaminants in 100g of sediment and an abundance value of 0.12 particles/g, mainly fibers and fragments. Pontevedra and Roxas recorded higher microplastic counts in fish gills, ranging from 68-77 particles (1.21-4.28 particles/g). Furthermore, Roxas had significant microplastic ingestion in the Milkfish gastrointestinal tract, with 66 particles (0.59 particles/g), mostly fibers. Site 2 showed higher contamination in tissue samples, with 62 microplastics (0.41 particles/g). Using One-Way ANOVA test, a significant differences were observed across all sites in water and sediment samples. The findings underscore the urgent need for aquaculture policies addressing microplastic pollution to mitigate its ecological impact on milkfish farming and associated human health risks.

This paper systematically reviewed the current technological advancements in the valorization of different wastes and by-products as raw materials for major industries in the Philippines. Such innovations mitigated environmental concerns, enhanced the value and sustainable utilization of by-products, and addressed issues of resource depletion. All articles that were considered in this review were thoroughly investigated, passed the exclusion criteria, and were divided according to the application of the product in the following industries: agriculture, food, and biofuel. The paper identified food wastes, organic industrial wastes, agricultural by-products, municipal wastes, and pharmaceutical by-products as the key sources for valorization. Processes including microbial fermentation, enzymatic digestion, dehydration, enzyme extraction, and homogenization had been explored to convert agricultural commodities, including growth media, substrates, fertilizers, and foodstuffs. In the food industry, valorization focused on the utilization of the nutritional value of by-products and the extraction of bioactive compounds. Emerging valorization methods to obtain these desired compounds included microwave-assisted extraction, microbe-assisted bioconversion of bio-based compounds, drying and milling, and fermentation, among others. For bioethanol production, the integration of alkali/acid and autohydrolysis pretreatments was combined with microwave or ultrasonic assistance techniques as well as simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation. In biodiesel production, a synergistic approach involving acid pretreatments, bio-, nano-, or alkaline catalysts, and assisted transesterification methods had been adopted. In conclusion, the wide range of applications of advanced valorization techniques to diverse waste and by-product streams was being rigorously explored. This approach drove the sustainable production of high-value products and opened new avenues for industrial applications, paving the way to a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. Ultimately, future research focusing on optimized valorization techniques to enhance the efficiency and scalability of waste by-product utilization in the Philippines was recommended.

Zooplankton are crucial as bioindicators and aid in determining the level of water contamination. The effects of environmental disturbances can be detected through changes in species composition, abundance, and body size distribution of zooplankton. Using a plankton net, samples were collected from eight sampling sites during the neap and spring tides of January, February, April and May 2024. A total of 67 zooplankton taxa were recorded, including 44 Rotifera, 12 Cladocera, and 11 Copepoda. The predominant species viz: Brachionus calyciflorus, Anuraeopsis fissa, Filnia longiseta, Filinia terminalis, Moina sp, Calanus sp, Cyclops sp, Brachionus angularis, Brachionus urceolaris, Argonotholca foliaceae, Asplachna sp, Testudinella sp, and Adineta vaga were recorded in all the sampling sites in the river. The abundance of these species in any water body indicates a high degree of eutrophication in the river. Moina, Daphnia, and Cyclops also indicate the intrusion of organic matter and nutrients from runoffs and drains into the river. The Shannon H’ are 1.37, 1.34, 1.27, 1.33, 1.28, 1.36, 1.42, and 1.31 for sites A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H respectively indicating the presence of contaminants in the river. The community structure of the zooplankton of Sungai Perai is influenced by factors such as tidal events and water quality parameters such as nutrients, dissolved oxygen, and temperature. This study demonstrated that zooplankton could indicate the condition of the Sungai Perai through changes in its community structure, distribution pattern, and abundance of vulnerable genera and species.

The Philippine sampa-sampalukan (Phyllanthus niruri) is an underexplored plant with significant ethnopharmacological potential. This study examined the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of its leaf ethanolic extract, collected from the botanical garden of Central Philippine University, Iloilo, Philippines. Qualitative analysis identified various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, tannins, saponins, proteins, phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, carbohydrates, and terpenoids. Quantitatively, the extract contained 258.07±4.13 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g of total phenolics and 76.10±0.47 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g of flavonoids. The 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay confirmed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity. The extract also exhibited strong antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Streptococcus agalactiae, Edwardsiella tarda, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with significant inhibition at 100 mg/mL. This study underscores P. niruri’s potent bioactive compounds and their potential for therapeutic applications.

This study aims to assess the knowledge and perception variation among high school students regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) from year to year. A comprehensive analysis was conducted through surveys and interviews to evaluate the depth of understanding and their attitudes toward GMOs. Due to the utilization of GMOs in different fields, such as food industry, medicine and pharmacy, students were asked to express their opinion about GMOs usage in these fields as well. A survey comprising 10 questions was administered to 249 high school students from 2018 to 2023 (7% of them were in ninth grade, 29% tenth grade, 31% eleventh grade and 30% Twelfth grade, last year students). Among the surveyed students, 81.7% demonstrated a strong understanding of GMOs, while 18.3% reported having no knowledge about them. In terms of information sources, 55.42% acquired their knowledge from books and scientific articles, predominantly during classes. Additionally, 27.71% gathered information from television or the internet, while 12.05% encountered the concept of GMOs for the first time through this questionnaire. A smaller percentage, 2.4%, received information from newspapers and magazines and 2.41% from various organizations involved in environmental education and awareness. 81.7 % of the students had good knowledge about GMOs, while 18.3 % of them had no knowledge at all about GMOs. Regarding the consumption of GMO versus BIO products, 80% of students expressed a preference for BIO products, 8.33% chose GMO products, and 11.66% were uncertain about their choice. The results indicate a strong preference for BIO products among students, with a significant majority (80%) choosing them. The findings suggest varying levels of knowledge among high school students. Several factors appear to influence their perceptions, including educational exposure, media coverage, cultural backgrounds, and personal beliefs. These factors likely shape students' attitudes toward GMOs and BIO products, influencing their choices.

This study evaluated the antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar (ACV) in two commercial forms, liquid and powder, against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The analysis employed the disk diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Undiluted liquid ACV produced a 7 mm inhibition zone, while the powdered form exhibited inhibition zones of 7 mm, 10 mm, and 12 mm at dilutions of 1:5, 1:125, and 1:40, respectively. The MIC and MBC results were consistent for both forms, with the liquid form achieving MIC and MBC values of 6.25%, and the powdered form showing values of 15.63 mg/mL. Despite variations in geographic origin, the ACV samples demonstrated reproducible antibacterial efficacy. Combining ACV with cefoxitin (Fox30) and vancomycin (VA30) antibiotics, significantly enhanced antibacterial activity, particularly with Fox30, where the inhibition zone increased from 15.6 mm to 19.3 mm. However, combining gentamicin (CN10) with ACV at 500 mg/mL reduced the inhibition zone from 23 mm to 16 mm, indicating an antagonistic effect. Testing the effectiveness of Fox30, VA30, CN10, and neat liquid ACV at three different times of the day (spaced 8 hours apart) revealed no significant time-dependent changes. Slight variations in the powdered form’s efficacy warrant further investigation.