Filipino Population Research Articles

Did COVID-19 risk perceptions influence the handwashing behavior of the Filipino population?

The COVID-19 pandemic reminded people of the importance of proper handwashing. The degree of health risk perceptions and handwashing behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic opens essential lessons for delivering water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs across the globe. We measured the relationship between COVID-19 risk perception and the handwashing behavior of 386 Filipinos in a highly urbanized city in the Philippines. Self-made COVID-19 risk perception scale (CRPS) (Cronbach's α 0.93) and handwashing behavior scale (HBS) (Cronbach's α 0.84) were administered face-to-face. The results show that the overall handwashing behavior has a median of 4.1 (frequently), while the interquartile range (IQR) is 0.5. Regression analysis revealed that COVID-19 risk perception has a significant positive association with overall handwashing behavior (B=0.369, p-value <0.05). The COVID-19 risk perception accounts for 36.9% of the variance in handwashing behavior, F (1, 384) =11.6360, p-value=0.0007. This study proposes that public health authorities target people's experiential learning style in designing and delivering intervention programs against non-compliance with proper handwashing.

#2058 IVC diameter and collapsibility via point-of-care ultrasound among clinically euvolemic Filipinos in Victoriano Luna Medical Center, Philippines

Abstract Background and Aims History, physical findings, and laboratory tests have limited sensitivity and specificity to assess relative intravascular volume or volume responsiveness. Inferior vena cava (IVC) ultrasound provides a direct assessment of relative intravascular volume status. The Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography (2010), recommended that an IVC diameter of <2.1 cm and collapsibility of >50% with a sniff indicates normal right atrial pressure of 3 mmHg (0-5 mmHg), while an IVC diameter of >2.1 cm with <50% inspiratory collapse indicates high right atrial pressure of 15 mmHg (10-20 mmHg). However, there have been occasions in the hospital setting wherein clinically hypervolemic Filipino patients were observed to have inferior vena cava diameters of less than 2.0 cm. This study aims to determine the average IVC diameter among clinically euvolemic Filipinos and to evaluate the applicability of standardized ultrasonographic IVC measurements in the Filipino population. Method This is a prospective observational study that included 45 clinically euvolemic patients and staff of Victoriano Luna Medical Center from 01 September 2023 to 01 November 2023. The demographic profile and anthropometric measurements of the volunteers were obtained. Ultrasound assessment was performed bedside and the IVC diameter was measured during passive respiration without sniff test 1 to 2 cm distal to the hepatic vein or 3 to 4 cm distal to the junction of the right atrium and inferior vena cava. The maximum and minimum diameters of the inferior vena cava was also measured using M-mode, and its collapsibility index was computed using the following formula: collapsibility index (CI) = (IVC max – IVC min) / IVC max. Categorical variables such as sex and comorbidities will be presented as frequencies and percentages while continuous variables such as age, body mass index, and inferior vena cava diameter and collapsibility will be presented as mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile range. Results The study group mainly consisted of males aged 65 years and below with normal body mass index for Asians. Cut-off values for the maximum inferior vena cava diameter were based on the venous excess ultrasound grading system, or VEXUS score, by Beaubien-Souligny et al. (2020) wherein congestion was considered at IVC diameters more than or equal to 2.0 cm. Of the 45 participants, 33 had maximum inferior vena cava diameter of less than 2.0 cm. Twenty-eight (28) out of 45 participants had a collapsibility index of more than 50%, which is indicative of normal right atrial pressure. Of the 33 with a maximum inferior vena cava diameter of less than 2.0 cm, 11 of which had a collapsibility index between 20 and 50%, and 22 with more than 50%. The remaining 12 participants had a maximum IVC diameter of more than or equal to 2.0 cm, with five having a collapsibility index between 20 and 50% and six with more than 50%. The mean maximum IVC diameter in the 45 volunteers on quiet respiration was 1.79 cm (+0.47), with an average computed collapsibility index of 54.43% (+19.78). Conclusion Thirty-three participants (73.33%) had a maximum inferior vena cava diameter of less than 2.0 cm, 22 of which have a collapsibility index of more than 50%. Among the 45 volunteers, the mean IVC maximum diameter on quiet respiration was 1.79 cm (+0.47), with an average computed collapsibility index of 54.43% (+19.78). Based on the results, standardized ultrasonographic IVC measurements can be applied on the Filipino population. Considering the Filipinos’ petite stature, the average IVC diameter among Filipinos is smaller and further investigation is warranted to establish clear cut-off values to identify plethoric IVCs in the Filipino setting.

#501 Evaluation of the accuracy of serum creatinine-based GFR calculations across the different levels of renal function among Filipinos

Abstract Background and Aims Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide health concern which continues to increase in prevalence. Early studies have evaluated kidney function by measuring serum creatinine (sCr) and/or the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). To date, there are limited studies that correlate nuclear GFR scans and eGFR by equations that include the Cockroft-Gault (CG), Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD), and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation (CKD-EPI) 2021 in Asians, specifically in a Filipino population. This study aims to compare the accuracy of GFR scan results and GFR estimated from the formulas across different levels of kidney functions, age groups, gender, and co-morbidities among a Filipino subset. Method A cross-sectional study was done among 2986 patients who underwent Nuclear GFR scan in a single kidney center. Results obtained were compared to estimated GFR results. Weighted Kappa and Bland-Altman Analyses were used to test for agreement between the measured and estimated GFR results. Results Absolute GFR values derived from the three equations demonstrated moderate reliability with results from nuclear scan when intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated with CKD-EPI 2021 being the highest. When further categorized into GFR levels, there was substantial level of agreement between each equation and GFR scan, with all weighted kappa coefficients being at least 0.700 with CG having the highest result (Table 1). Furthermore, when subgroup analysis was done according to age group, gender, and comorbidities, CG was found to be the most accurate per category (Table 2). Conclusion CKD-EPI 2021 was the most accurate in the actual GFR values however we cannot fully eliminate the utility of CG due to its categorical accuracy and in monitoring the deterioration of renal function.

Dietary Exposure of Filipinos to Pesticide Residues in Rice (Oryza sativa) Using National Theoretical Maximum Daily Intake (NTMDI) Approach

Exposure to pesticides, at levels above the regulatory limits, is detrimental to health. Rice, being a staple food of Filipinos, is a significant vector of pesticide residues in the diet. The current study aimed to determine the exposure of Filipinos to different pesticide residues in well-milled rice using the National Theoretical Maximum Daily Intake (NTMDI) approach. The NTMDI of 71 permitted pesticide active ingredients (PAIs) was estimated using the 2013 national food consumption data, established maximum residue limits (MRL), and the estimated average weight of the population groups. Estimates were then compared with the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for each PAI. The top six PAIs were then subjected to probabilistic analysis of exceeding the ADI. Results showed that all Filipino population groups were at risk of exposure to thiram, isoprocarb, and carbofuran with a 100% probability of exceeding the ADI. Exposures of Filipinos to these PAIs across all population groups were up to 870, 435, and 348% ADI, respectively. Infants and children were the most at-risk populations due to their low body weight. The NTMDI estimates, therefore, recognize the need to conduct a more refined dietary exposure assessment on the identified PAIs.

Male‐biased sex ratios, marriage, and household composition in early twentieth‐century Hawai‘i

AbstractImmigration to Hawai‘i between 1870 and 1930 led to a more than six‐fold increase in population and high and rapidly varying sex ratios in the Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, and Caucasian populations of marriageable age. Using complete populations of the 1910, 1920, and 1930 Territorial Censuses of Hawai‘i, we estimate how male‐biased ethnic sex ratios affected choices of second‐generation men and women of marriageable age. Econometric results indicate that within‐group and extra‐group sex ratios impact the likelihood of males and females to marry, to marry a spouse from another ethnic group, to have children, and to live in larger households.

Correlation of Blomia tropicalis-specific immunoglobulin epsilon profiles with family history of atopy in a Filipino population.

House dust mites are the major source of indoor allergens in the tropical and subtropical regions with Blomia tropicalis (Bt) allergens as one of the leading causative agents of sensitization among patients from the tropics. Despite the clinical importance of Bt in various populations, its allergenicity remains unclear among Filipino allergic patients. This study determined the sensitization profiles of allergic Filipinos against Bt allergens and its correlation with atopy. Total immunoglobulin epsilon (IgE) (n = 960), Bt-specific IgE (n = 247), and Blomia tropicalis 5 (Blo t 5)-specific IgE (n = 87) profiles of allergic and nonallergic subjects were measured through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Point-biserial correlation coefficient was used to determine the association between Bt-specific IgE levels and selected demographics. Inhibition ELISA was performed to measure the inhibition capacity of recombinant Blo t 5 (rBlo t 5) against Bt allergen extracts. Mean total IgE levels of allergic cases (n = 171) were significantly higher (P < 0.001) compared to the mean IgE levels of nonallergic controls (n = 76). Among allergic subjects, 58% were sensitized to Blo t extract and 80% of which were sensitized to rBlo t 5 allergen. A positive correlation was observed between Bt-specific IgE and family history of atopic disease (P = 0.031). Inhibition assay revealed that 54% mean reactivity of 7 plasma samples was caused by rBlo t 5, validating that rBlo t 5 is a major allergen in Bt. This study has shown the importance of Bt as an allergen source that sensitizes atopic Filipino subjects. Hence, inclusion of Bt allergen extract and rBlo t 5 in the panel for allergy diagnosis and immunotherapy in Filipino populations is strongly recommended.

Diagnosis and Management of Otosclerosis in a Filipino Population

OBJECTIVE :&#x0D; This case series aims to describe the diagnosis and management of otosclerosis in a series of Filipino patients encountered in a private, subspecialty otologic clinical practice. In particular, it elucidates the demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic exam findings, clinical intervention and hearing outcomes. &#x0D; METHODS :&#x0D; Study Design : Retrospective review of medical records of a case series&#x0D; Setting : Subspecialty otologic / neurotologic clinical practice&#x0D; Participants : Medical records of all patients diagnosed to have otosclerosis based on radiologic evidence of fenestral or retrofenestral otosclerosis and/or confirmed during surgical exploration of the middle ear, during the period 2004-2017.&#x0D; RESULTS :&#x0D; Nine patients with otosclerosis were identified. Most patients presented with bilateral, primarily conductive hearing loss in middle age. However, an adolescent patient was also identified. Most patients were from the component cities of the National Capital Region. However, patients from the Cordillera region and south-central Mindanao were also identified. Radiologic evidence of fenestral or retrofenestral otosclerosis was identified in the majority of patients. However, readings of normal temporal bone CT findings were also seen. Obliterative otosclerosis was identified in one patient. Both objective and subjective evidence of hearing improvement was documented after stapedectomy in patients undergoing surgery.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS :&#x0D; This study documents the presence of clinical otosclerosis in a Filipino population. As in other populations, it typically presents in middle age as a bilateral, primarily conductive hearing loss. However, a younger age does not preclude its diagnosis, as juvenile otosclerosis has been identified. The presence of patients in regions of the Philippines other than the National Capital Region implies that it has to be considered even in regional populations without a racial predilection for otosclerosis. The identification of radiologic evidence of fenestral and retrofenestral otosclerosis on CT imaging of the temporal bone makes this is an essential part of the work-up of Filipino patients with conductive hearing loss and normal otologic examinations. Surgical treatment via stapes surgery is an effective and viable option in the management of Filipino patients with otosclerosis. The identification of less common variants such as obliterative otosclerosis indicates the need for specialized surgical equipment and appropriate surgical training in order to successfully deal with these situations.

The Discussion of the Influence of Public Art on the Cultural Status of Filipino Community in Hong Kong

The topic of public art and the role of public art in enhancing the cultural status of the Filipino community in Hong Kong is significant. This paper begins by introducing the Filipino community in Hong Kong, outlining its contributions to the citys economic and social structure as well as the difficulties it has had assimilating into Hong Kong society and dealing with issues like discrimination, cultural identity, poverty, and living conditions. Using specific examples, this article analyzes how public art may be a tool to encourage social and cultural development as well as how it might improve the cultural standing of the Filipino population in Hong Kong. The Filipino community in Hong Kong faces challenges related to cultural identity and social standing. They have made significant contributions to the citys development but have a tenuous social standing, often working in low-wage jobs with limited prospects for growth. And the community also faces difficult living conditions. The article as a whole emphasizes the value of public art in fostering cultural identity and fostering a more inclusive society. Additionally, it makes recommendations for how to change the current situation and the issues facing the Filipino community in Hong Kong, including defending their rights and interests and fostering their assimilation into Hong Kongs social culture.

ADIPOQ gene (T45G and G276T) single nucleotide polymorphisms and their association with gestational diabetes mellitus in a Filipino population

Several studies have associated the presence of ADIPOQ gene polymorphisms with insulin resistance, adiponectin levels, and metabolic diseases such as diabetes, although with varying degrees of correlation depending on ethnicity. Here we aim to identify individual’s susceptibility to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the presence of T45G and G276T single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the ADIPOQ gene among Filipino pregnant women. A total of 285 pregnant women (95 GDM cases and 190 controls) were included in this study. Two ADIPOQ gene polymorphisms were genotyped using TaqMan assay. Results of SNP genotyping showed no significant differences in the frequencies of TT, TG and GG genotypes of T45G SNP between the GDM and control group [p = 1.0000, 0.6179, 0.5797; OR (95%CI) = 1.030 (0.582–1.874), 1.135 (0.683–1.828), 0.833 (0.481–1.420)]. Similarly, the frequencies of GG, GT, and TT genotypes of G276T SNP were comparable in both groups [p = 0.8002, 1.0000, 0.3466; OR (95%CI) = 1.090 (0.654–1.785), 1.022 (0.616–1.665), 0.433 (0.092–1.698)]. Moreover, although adiponectin levels were significantly decreased in GDM group (p = 0.0196) and have shown substantial negative correlations with FBS, 1-hour OGTT, 2-hour OGTT, and HOMA-IR (p < 0.05), they were not significantly different according to genotypes of T45G and G276T polymorphisms both in GDM and control group. Our results suggest that neither of the two ADIPOQ gene polymorphisms influence adiponectin levels and development of GDM in a Filipino population.

Major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with ECG changes during dipyridamole infusion as a myocardial stress agent and normal MPI among filipino patients at a tertiary hospital

Abstract Introduction There is paucity and conflicting results of data regarding the prognostic significance of ST-segment depression during vasodilator stress testing in patients with normal myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). It is even less well studied in minorities such as Filipino population. Purpose This study aims to determine the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with ECG changes during dipyridamole infusion as a myocardial stress agent and normal myocardial perfusion imaging. Methodology We performed a cross-sectional retrospective analysis of 266 adult patients aged 18 years and above who underwent dipyridamole MPI. Patients with abnormal baseline ECG, patients subjected to tests other than the Dipyridamole VST and those with missing clinical, electrocardiogram, or myocardial perfusion Imaging data were excluded. The primary endpoint was the composite MACE: of all-cause mortality, nonfatal MI, stroke, hospitalization because of heart failure, and revascularization. Results Among 226 included patients (mean age ‘61.11 + 10.72’ years; 58% women), those with ST segment depression &amp;gt;0.5mm were more likely to have MACE (OR 281.12; 95% CI 37.59 to 2101.82, p-value &amp;lt;0.001), female patients were more likely to have MACE compared to male patients (OR 2.1839; 95% CI 1.1373 to 4.1936; p-value 0.019), and patients with atypical type of chest pain were likely to have MACE (OR 2.1767; CI 1.1844 to 4.0003; p-value 0.012). During follow-up of 3 years, a total of 55 patients had MACE. All-cause mortality occurred in 3 patients, non-fatal MI in 40 patients, Hospitalization due to heart failure in 5 patients, stroke in 6 patients, and revascularization in 1 patient. Conclusion Dipyridamole-induced ischemic ST depression is more common in women, and is associated with increased risk for future cardiac events compared with similar patients without ECG evidence of ischemia. Ischemic ECG changes during dipyridamole MPI should warrant further evaluation and follow up, even when perfusion images are reassuring.

Clinical profiles and survival outcomes of adult patients with multiple myeloma at a tertiary hospital in the Philippines

Objectives The Filipino population is largely underrepresented in the currently available literature on multiple myeloma (MM). Herein, we aimed to determine the clinical profile, treatment, and outcomes of adult Filipinos with MM. Material and Methods The records of 74 patients with MM seen at our institution from 2016 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Results The median age at diagnosis was 54 years, with the majority lumped in the 40–65 years age group. At diagnosis, anemia (hemoglobin &lt;100 g/L) was present in 36 (64.3%) patients, but hypercalcemia (calcium ≥2.75 mmol/L) and azotemia (creatinine ≥177 umol/L) were seen in only 9 (20.0%) and 18 (34.0%) patients, respectively. Novel drugs (bortezomib, thalidomide, and lenalidomide) were used in 54 (84.4%) patients for frontline treatment. The overall response rate was 70.0% and the median overall survival (OS) was 60 months. On univariate analysis, only hemoglobin and the serum albumin levels affected survival. Conclusion Aside from the trend of a younger age at diagnosis, there are no unique clinical characteristics of MM seen in Filipinos. The longer OS may reflect the availability of newer drugs in the recent decade, but larger studies are needed to investigate the prognostic significance of several clinical and treatment parameters.

Sinonasal Anatomy Variations on CT Scans of a Sample of Filipino Adults With Chronic Rhinosinusitis

ABSTRACT&#x0D; Objective: To determine the prevalence of sinonasal anatomic variations seen on paranasal sinus (PNS) CT scans of a sample of Filipino adults with chronic rhinosinusitis.Methods: Design: Cross-sectional study Setting: Tertiary Government Training Hospital Participants: The PNS CT scans of 51 Filipino patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyposis diagnosed at our outpatien Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery between October 2015 to December 2020 were reviewed for the presence of sinonasal anatomic variants. The prevalence of the identified variants was calculated.&#x0D; Results: The CT scans of 51 patients, 41 (80.4%) men and 10 (19.6%) women, were included. The median age was 48 years (Q25: 35, Q75: 56, IQR:21). The median Lund Mackay Score (LMS) was 15 (Q25: 12, Q75: 20, IQR:8). Majority (94%) had an LMS of ≥5. The most common anatomic variant in the study population was agger nasi (n=46/51, 90.2% present bilaterally) followed by uncinate process attachment to the lamina papyracea (n=90/102, 88.24%). The third to sixth most common findings were Keros type II classification (n=76/102, 74.51%), nasal septal deviation (n=35/51, 68.62%), optic nerve canal type 1 (n=67/102, 65.69%) and anterior ethmoid artery grade 1 (n=46/102, 45.1%), respectively. Less common variants were Onodi cell (n=13/51, 25.49% unilateral and n=10/51, 19.61% bilateral), Haller cell (n=8/51, 15.69% unilateral and n=1/51, 1.96% bilateral), supraorbital cell (n=4/51, 7.84% unilateral and n=4/51, 7.84% bilateral), middle turbinate concha bullosa (n=3/51, 5.88% unilateral and n=6/51, 11.76% bilateral), superior turbinate concha bullosa (n=2/51, 3.92% unilateral and n=1/51, 1.96% bilateral), pneumatized crista galli (n=2/51, 3.92%) and optic nerve dehiscence (n=1/51, 1.96% bilateral). &#x0D; Conclusion: In the adult Filipino population with CRS sampled in this study, the six most common sinonasal anatomic variants were agger nasi, superior attachment of the uncinate process to the lamina papyracea, Keros type II classification, septal deviation, optic nerve canal type 1 and anterior ethmoid artery grade 1. Pre-operatively, the PNS CT scan of every patient must be meticulously evaluated for the sinonasal anatomic variants to avoid surgical complications.

Allelic Frequencies of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) Gene of Filipinos

Objectives. The present study aims to determine the frequency of occurrence of NAT2*4, NAT2*5A, NAT2*6B, NAT2*7A and NAT2*14A alleles by PCR-RFLP among Filipino volunteers. These alleles correspond to substitutions in the following sites: C341T, G590A, G857A and G191A, respectively, of the NAT2 gene. The presence of specific SNP combination was also used to deduce acetylation status and estimate genotype frequency and describe them in comparison with other populations based on literature.&#x0D; Methods. Genomic DNA from peripheral blood lymphocytes from 129 healthy Filipino volunteers was used to amplify the NAT2 gene segment. The RFLP analysis was done by restricting the expected PCR product with Kpn1, Taq1, BamH1 and Msp1/Al1, respectively, to detect the 4 alleles: NAT2*4, NAT2*5A, NAT2*6B, NAT2*7A and NAT2*14A.&#x0D; Results. The calculated allelic frequencies in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium of NAT2*5A (C481T), NAT2*6B (G590A), NAT2*7A (G857A) and NAT2*14A (G191A) were 0.058, 0.097, 0.182 and 0.046, respectively. NAT2*4 had an allele frequency of 0.617. Nine genotypes were determined: NAT2*4/*4, NAT2*4/*5A, NAT2*4/*6B, NAT2*4/*7A, NAT2*4/*14A, NAT2*5A/*7A, NAT2*6B/*7A, NAT2*6B/*14A and NAT2*7A/*14A. From these genotypes, acetylator phenotypes were deduced. A trimodal pattern of distribution was established: rapid, intermediate and slow acetylators with the following percentages, 47.3%, 41.1 % and 11.6%. Among the slow acetylator SNPs determined, NAT2*7A was found as the most frequent allele and NAT2*14A was found as the least frequent allele.&#x0D; Conclusion. The study showed the mutation profile and observed genotypic similarities and differences of Filipinos with other Asian populations and Americans and other Caucasians based on literature. The results also suggest a trimodal pattern of distribution of acetylators and lesser number of slow acetylators among Filipino populations, a characteristic similar to other Asian populations but significantly different from Americans and other Caucasians. The occurrence of NAT2*7A and NAT2*14A can be further sequenced to verify the observed genotype.&#x0D;

Genotyping Approach to Predict Coa and Cob Antigens in Thai Blood Donor Populations.

Coa and Cob antigens of the Colton (CO) blood group system are implicated in acute and delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTRs). Owing to the inadequate supply of specific antiserum, data on CO phenotypes remain limited. This study aimed to develop genotyping methods to predict Coa and Cob antigens and to estimate transfusion-induced alloimmunization risks in three Thai blood donor populations. The study included 2451 blood samples from unrelated healthy Thai blood donors obtained from central, northern, and southern Thailand. DNA sequencing was used to determine the CO*A and CO*B alleles. In-house PCR with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) and high-resolution melting curve (HRM) assays were performed and genotyping results were compared using DNA sequencing. CO*A and CO*B allele frequencies among Thais were determined using PCR-SSP and their frequencies were compared with other populations. The risks of Coa and Cob transfusion-induced alloimmunization among Thai donor populations were calculated. The validated genotyping results by PCR-SSP and HRM assays agreed with DNA sequencing. The CO*A/CO*A was the most common (100.0, 100.0, and 99.3%), followed by CO*A/CO*B (0.0, 0.0, and 0.7%) among central, northern and southern Thais. Homozygous CO*B/CO*B was not found. The CO*A and CO*B allele frequencies among central Thais significantly differed compared among southern Thais (p < 0.01) but not among northern Thais. Those allele frequencies among Thais were similar to those of Taiwanese, Chinese and Malay-Malaysian populations but not to South Asian, Southeast Asian, Korean, Japanese, Filipino, French Basque, and Maltese populations (p < 0.01). A higher risk of anti-Cob production rather than anti-Coa production was particularly noted in the southern Thai population. This study constitutes the first to determine CO*A and CO*B genotypes using PCR-SSP and HRM assays among Thais and this finding would be beneficial in predicting alloimmunization risk and providing safe transfusions among Thais.

Clinical profile and non-recreational methamphetamine abuse (shabu) among stroke patients in the Philippine population

Chronic non-recreational use of methamphetamine (shabu) is increasing among the Filipino population in Barcelona. The Asian population presents a different stroke pattern, with a higher incidence of haemorrhage, and different vascular risk factors and health behaviours. The objective of this study is to describe the stroke profile and incidence of methamphetamine use in patients of Filipino origin admitted to our centre. Demographic data, vascular risk factors, clinical data and prognosis were recorded. Methamphetamine exposure was analysed in plasma samples collected on admission, which were then analysed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Of a total of 6,418 stroke patients, 73 (1.1%) were identified as being of Filipino origin. The mean age was 54.4 ± 12.1 years, 54% were male and the stroke was ischaemic in 64.4% of cases. Arterial hypertension was the main risk factor. Ten (13.7%) patients tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine. These results confirm recent substance use prior to the stroke, mostly in men (80%). In patients who were consumers, 60% had a haemorrhagic stroke, with a poor functional prognosis at three months in 55.6% of patients. In our setting, patients of Filipino ethnicity admitted for stroke related to the consumption of shabu belonged a younger age bracket, with a lower prevalence of vascular risk factors and a predominance of the haemorrhagic subtype. Methamphetamine testing in Filipino stroke patients is recommended due to the high prevalence of methamphetamine use in our country.

Diagnostic Performances of Ultrasound-Based Models for Predicting Malignancy in Patients with Adnexal Masses.

This study compared the diagnostic performance of different ultrasound-based models in discriminating between benign and malignant ovarian masses in a Filipino population. This was a prospective cohort study in women with findings of an ovarian mass on ultrasound. All included patients underwent a physical examination before level III specialist ultrasonographic and Doppler evaluation using the different International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) Group’s risk models. Serum CA-125 and a second-generation multivariate index assay (MIA2G) were also determined for all patients. The ovarian imaging and biomarker results were correlated with the histological findings. A total of 260 patients with completed ultrasound, CA-125, MIA2G, and histopathologic results was included in the study. The presence of papillae with blood flow and irregular cyst walls during the ultrasound were significantly associated with a 20-fold (OR: 20.13, CI: 8.69−46.67, p < 0.01) and 10-fold (OR: 10.11, CI: 5.30−19.28, p < 0.01) increase in the likelihood of a malignant lesion, respectively. All individual sonologic procedures performed well in discerning malignant and benign ovarian lesions. IOTA-LR1 showed the highest accuracy (82.6%, 95% CI: 77.5−87%) for identifying ovarian cancer. IOTA-ADNEX showed the highest sensitivity (93.3%, 95% CI: 87.2−97.1%) while IOTA-LR2 exhibited the highest specificity (84.4%, 95% CI: 77.3−90%). Among the different serial test combinations, IOTA-LR1 with MIA2G and IOTA-LR2 with MIA2G showed the highest diagnostic accuracy (AUROC = 0.82). This study showed that all individual ultrasound-based models performed well in discerning malignant and benign ovarian lesions, with IOTA-LR1 exhibiting the highest accuracy.

The Complete and Two-Turn Cochlear Duct Length Among Filipinos

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; ABSTRACTObjective: This study aims to measure the complete and two-turn cochlear duct lengths in a Filipino population using archived CT scan images.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: &#x0D; Design: Retrospective Review of Records&#x0D; Setting:Tertiary Government Training Hospital&#x0D; Participants: CT Scan Images of 255 patients&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Cochlear images of patients who underwent cranial, facial, orbital, paranasal sinus and temporal bone CT scans from January 2019 to December 2019 were analyzed. Coronal oblique images from 3D multiplanar reconstructions were obtained and a single linear measurement (‘A’ value) was used as the spiral coefficient to calculate the complete cochlear duct length (CDL) and two- turn length (2TL).&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Results: A total of 510 cochlear images were obtained from the CT scan images of 255 subjects (143 males, 112 females aged 1 to 81 years; mean age = 47 years). The mean ‘A’ value was 8.81 mm (SD = 0.20). The mean complete cochlear duct length was 32.68 mm (31.01 mm – 35.50 mm; SD = 0.834) while the mean two-turn cochlear duct length was 29.61 mm (28.14 mm – 32.08 mm; SD = 0.732). The complete and two-turn cochlear duct lengths in males were found to be significantly longer than in females (p = .001). No significant difference was found between cochlear measurements for left and right ears.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: The mean complete cochlear duct length among Filipinos in our study measures 32.68 mm while the mean two-turn cochlear duct length measures 29.61mm. Both complete and two-turn cochlear duct lengths were longer among Filipino males than among females.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

58P Clinicopathologic profile and outcomes of rectal cancer (RC) in the young (

There is an increasing incidence of RC in the young. Clinicopathologic features are not clearly established especially in the local Filipino population. Moreover, treatment challenges occur in this population. This study aims to describe the clinicopathologic profile and outcomes in patients diagnosed with RC in the young at the Southern Philippines Medical Center, Adult Cancer Institute.

Cut-off points of 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test as a diagnostic test for gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant Filipino population

Background: Cut-off points determine the threshold of health status in a patient. For instance, in pregnancy, cut off points of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) distinguishes gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) pregnancy from healthy condition. Currently, OGTT cut-off points used in the Philippines was standardized using a different reference population, which may impact disease diagnosis. This study aims to establish the cut-off points of 75-grams (g) OGTT for the diagnosis of GDM among Filipino pregnant women.

Improving diagnostic strategies for ovarian cancer in Filipino women using ultrasound imaging and a multivariate index assay

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical performance and overall utility of imaging and biomarker assays in discriminating between benign and malignant ovarian masses in a Filipino population. MethodsThis is a prospective cohort study among Filipino women undergoing assessment for an ovarian mass in a tertiary center. All included patients underwent a physical examination before level III specialist ultrasonographic and Doppler evaluation, multivariate index assay (MIA2G), and surgery for an adnexal mass. Ovarian tumors were classified as high-risk for malignancy based on the International Ovarian Tumour Analysis (IOTA) – Logistic Regression 2 (LR2) score. The ovarian imaging and biomarker results were correlated with the reference standard: histological findings. ResultsAmong the 379 women with adnexal masses enrolled in this study, 291 were evaluable with ultrasound imaging, biomarker assays, and histopathological results. The risk of malignancy was higher for women classified as high-risk based on IOTA-LR2 (≥10%). The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy for the prediction of malignancy were 81.2%, 81%, and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.77–0.86) for IOTA-LR2; 77.5%, 66.7%, and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.67–0.77) for CA-125; and 91.3%, 41.2%, and 0.66 (95% CI: 0.62–0.71) for MIA2G. A combination of IOTA-LR2 and MIA2G significantly influenced the diagnostic performance and the result. When MIA2G was combined with IOTA-LR2 in parallel, the sensitivity (94.2%) and NPV (87.7%) increased, but the specificity (37.3%) decreased. When combined with IOTA-LR2 in series, there were fewer false positives, which resulted in improved specificity (85%). ConclusionThis study determined the utility of ovarian imaging and a second-generation multivariate index assay in predicting the risk of ovarian malignancy. IOTA-LR2 and MIA2G were useful in classifying patients with a high risk for ovarian malignancy.