Journal of Sciences, Technology, and Arts Research : A Scholarly Journal.

Includes bibliographical references.

Antitussive Property of the Methanolic Extract of Plecthrantusamboinicus (Lour.) Spreng for Citric Acid-induced Cough in Sprague-Dawley Rats -- Comparative Analysis of Selected Plants as Bioremediant for Lead-Contaminated Water -- Needlestick and Sharps Injuries among Healthcare Workers in Military Hospitals -- Antihyperlipidemic Activity of Catharanthus Roseus L. (Apocyanaceae) Leaf Extract on Triton-induced Hyperlipidemic Rats -- Antibacterial Property of the Lipid Extract from Fresh African Nightcrawler (Eudrilus Euginae) Family Eudrilidae against Staphylococcus Aureus and Escherichia Coli -- Reported Work-related Stressors among Staff Nurses in Metro Manila -- Assessment of the Occupational Health and Safety Conditions and Short-Term Project Implementation in a Business Process Outsourcing Company in Metro Manila.

[Article Title: Antitussive Property of the Methanolic Extract of Plecthrantusamboinicus (Lour.) Spreng for Citric Acid-induced Cough in Sprague-Dawley Rats/ David Charles Alejandro, Joevien Borres, Danielle Marie San Juan, Jean Carla Santos, and Nicole Allen Solevilla, p. 2-10]<br/><br/>Abstract: Oregano (Plecthrantusamboinicus (Lour.) Spreng) is used in the Philippines as a folk medicine for a cough by preparing decoctions from its leaves. Despite being widely used, the extent of its ability to inhibit a cough has not yet been established. This study aims to compare the ability of P. amboinicus as an antitussive to that of codeine. Fresh leaves from P. amboinicus were macerated for 48 hours in methanol and was concentrated using a rotary evaporator at 40°C.The methanolic extract from P. amboinicus produced a yield of 4.26%. Three doses were prepared from the P. amboinicus methanolic extract (2,500 mg/kg, 1250 mg/kg, and 625 mg/kg). The antitussive assay was conducted with Codeine as a positive control while distilled water served as a negative control. Twenty (20) Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five (5) treatment groups (n=4) and were induced with a cough inside an air tight glass chamber (3L) using an aerosol of 17.5% citric acid. The cough responses were recorded using a microphone before and after the treatments. After a 2 week wash period, a second trial was performed for validation. Test for three-way interaction between the two trials and the treatment groups show no significant difference (p<0.05). The mean percent reduction intussive responses for each treatment group was subjected to one-way ANOVA shows a significant difference between the treatment groups (p<0.001). Further post hoc analysis using Tukey’s HSD test showed that the extract with a concentration of 2500 mg/Kg BW produced the highest mean percent reduction intussive response, followed by Codeine, the extract with a concentration of 1250 mg/Kg BW, then the extract with a concentration of 650 mg/Kg BW and distilled water having no significant difference.

[Article Title: Comparative Analysis of Selected Plants as Bioremediant for Lead-Contaminated Water/ Sharrah Maye Castro, Conie Delos Reyes, Mariel Kimberly Dimaano, Samaicca Claire Etang, Eriqua Miejaela Talucod, Laura Melissa Madonna Torres, Judilynn Solidum,and Rose Anne Chua, p. 11-23]<br/><br/>Abstract: Lead has been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as 1 of 10 chemicals of major public health concern, necessitating action from the Member States for protection of workers, children, and women of reproductive age. It has been known that plants, animals, and sources thereof can be utilized for decontamination of metals (bioremediation). Simulated contaminated water was used for the entire bioremediating analysis. Based on previous studies, the use of peel wastes from Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. (Pineapple) and Citrus aurantium (L.) (Dalandan), of seeds from Moringa oleifera (L.) (Malunggay) and Lycopersicon esculentum (Mill.) (Tomato) and of leaves from Allium sativum (Garlic) and Allium cepa (Onion) as agents in removing lead from water could be cost-effective. This study aimed to compare the capacity of peels, seeds, and leaves as bioremediants in lead-contaminated water. Furthermore, it intended to determine the highest ability (lowest mean concentration value) of each identified plant in removing and chelating lead. The powdered plant samples were added to known amounts of metal in solution with adjusted pH and 10-minute-contact time and were carried out by a batch process. The filtrates were analyzed for residual heavy metal concentration using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS). Optimal results were obtained at pH 5. The amount of lead absorbed increased with pH 5 and 10 % concentration at 10 minute-contact time. Malunggay seeds showed the highest percentage removal of lead and had the lowest mean concentration among the plant samples.

[Article Title: Needlestick and Sharps Injuries among Healthcare Workers in Military Hospitals/ Michelle Duey Ibuna, and Fritz Gerald Jabonete, p. 24-43]<br/><br/>Abstract: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that three million of the 35 million health care workers worldwide experience needle stick and sharps injuries every year. This study utilized a descriptive, correlation design. A survey method was employed to collect the data. The study was conducted in selected four (4) military hospitals in Luzon composed of physicians, nurses, medical technologists and ancillary staff. The knowledge on universal precautions and other concepts related to transmission of blood borne pathogens via needle stick injuries were high. There is also a high awareness on universal precautions and needle and sharp safety precautions. The most common activity when the injury was incurred was before the use of an item, followed by recapping of needles and the least response was during disposal of needles and sharps. The occurrence of needlestick injuries and health care workers group (χ²= 19.98, p<0.05), knowledge on universal precautions and work practices (p=-0.15, p=<0.05) are significantly related. Needle stick and sharp injuries and age (p=-0.16, p<0.05), are significantly related. However, area of assignment (χ2=12.15, p= >0.05), years of practicing the profession (ρ=-0.08, p= >0.05), hours of work per shift (ρ=-0.01, p= >0.05), and shift schedule (ρ=0.06, p= >0.05) were not. Furthermore, there is no significant difference between the groups with needle stick and sharp injuries and the group without on the following variables: age (t=1.72, p= >0.05), area of assignment (t=- 0.62, p= >0.05), years practicing the profession (t=1.05, p= >0.05), hours of work per shift (t=0.36, p= >0.05), and shift schedule (t=-0.92, p= >0.05). The study revealed that the health care workers are aware about the risks associated with needle stick and sharp injuries. Most of the respondents were aware of the basic guidelines of universal precautions; however, compliance to guidelines is not strictly implemented.

[Article Title: Antihyperlipidemic Activity of Catharanthus Roseus L. (Apocyanaceae) Leaf Extract on Triton-induced Hyperlipidemic Rats/ Priscilla Evangelista, p. 44-54]<br/><br/>Abstract: Catharanthus roseus is a popular ornamental plant used traditionally for a variety of diseases including hyperlipidemia and diabetes. However, pharmacologic studies are needed to support the traditional uses this plant. The study aims to evaluate the ability of C. roseus L. leaf extract to lower lipid levels in normoglycemic rats. Thirty (30) Sprague-dawley rats were used, and hyperlipidemia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of Triton WR-1339. The rats were treated with C. roseus leaf extracts (50mg/Kg, 150mg/kg, and 250mg/kg BW) or the standard drug, Fenofibrate, for seven days. Results of ANOVA (P ˃ 0.05) showed greater reduction of the two concentrations of C. roseus extract (150mg/kg, and 250mg/kg) with that of Fenofibrate for total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels. The results demonstrate the potential of C. roseus for controlling elevated lipid levels.

[Article Title: Antibacterial Property of the Lipid Extract from Fresh African Nightcrawler (Eudrilus Euginae) Family Eudrilidae against Staphylococcus Aureus and Escherichia Coli/ Allan Josue Ballicud, Rodalle Batayola, Jessa Montablan, Patrick Tolop, Christian Tim Xavier, and Maria Luisa Bautista, p. 55-68]<br/><br/>Abstract: Antibiotics are drugs that are used to kill or slow down the growth of bacteria. The use of antibiotics is in demand because of the continuous occurrence of infectious diseases worldwide. Although there are many antibiotics available in the market, the rise of new infectious diseases as well as the emergence of drug resistance warrant the discovery of other antibiotic sources. The antibacterial activities of lipids have been known for over a century. Several publications reported research on the microbicidal effects of lipids. Earthworms have also been used in medicine for various remedies. They have been shown to have humoral and cellular immunity mechanisms which enable them to face pathogenic microorganisms in the environment. This research aims to determine if the lipid extract of Eudrilus euginae possesses antimicrobial property. Lipids were extracted from the earthworms by Folch method, yielding 0.343%. Cupric acetate test was then performed to confirm the presence of fatty acids. A two-fold serial dilution method was employed to prepare different concentrations of the extract which were then subjected to macrodilution method to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Basing from the MIC against each test organism, three increasing concentrations of the extract (for S. aureus = 15.625, 31.25 and 62.5 mg/ml; for E. coli – 31.25, 62.5 and 125 mg/ml) were prepared and used to inhibit the growth of each test organism using disk diffusion method. The zones of inhibition were measured using a caliper. The mean zones of inhibition from the different concentrations were compared with each other and against the positive control, ciprofloxacin 5µg, using one-way ANOVA and Scheffe test. The common extract concentrations (31.25 and 62.5 mg/ml) were also compared using T-test to determine in which bacterium the extract is more effective. Based on the results, the extract showed inhibitory effect at a lower concentration against S. aureus (MIC = 15.625 mg/ml) compared to E. coli (MIC = 31.25 mg/ml). Against S. aureus, 62.5 mg/ml showed the greatest inhibitory effect. This concentration is also more effective compared to ciprofloxacin, while the 15.625 and 31.25 mg/ml were comparable to the positive control. Against E. coli, ciprofloxacin still has a greater inhibitory effect than the extract.

[Article Title: Reported Work-related Stressors among Staff Nurses in Metro Manila/ Aubrey Dayrit and Fritz Gerald Jabonete, p. 69-85]<br/><br/>Abstract: Work-related stress became an increasing global problem affecting all categories of workers including healthcare professionals. World Health Organization reported that stress, especially related to work is currently the second most frequent health problem and is a significant problem of our times. Several studies revealed that nurses are under greatest work stress and highest physical, psychological, and emotional strain. This study also examined relationships between work-related stressors and selected socio-demographic factors. It utilized the Modified Expanded Nurses Stress Scale (ENSS). A descriptive-correlation and cross-sectional design were used. The study was conducted by hospital staff nurses in a tertiary government and non-government hospital in Metro Manila. The predominant work-related stressor that occasionally occurs in the work setting was workload while discrimination stressors never occur. Respondents reported the moderate level of stress (M=2.66, SD=0.85) on the nine subscales. Work-related stressors are significantly related to age (χ 2 = 20.05), civil status (χ 2 = 17.48) number of patients (χ 2 = 16.11) and length of service (χ 2 = 21.27). Sixty-six (58.41%) respondents claimed that there is stress management program seminar offered in their hospital. Twenty-three (20.35%) respondents claimed that there is no stress management program being conducted in their hospital. Nurses reported the moderate level of stress in all subscale of the modified, expanded nursing stress scale. Effective coping mechanisms and stress management program, and policies are emphasized. It is recommended to revisit the staffing and scheduling plan and provide enough staff to cover the unit to address workload stressors. It may be useful to consider teambuilding activities between nurses and physicians to strengthen team work and collaboration. A training program can be devised that culturally-fit and evidence based.

[Article Title: Assessment of the Occupational Health and Safety Conditions and Short-Term Project Implementation in a Business Process Outsourcing Company in Metro Manila/ Anna Liza Campo, Loretta Garcia, Paul Michael Hernandez, and Rose Anne Chua, p. 86-123]<br/><br/>Abstract: Since the 1990s, there has been a tremendous demand for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) workers in the Philippines. Related studies show that the occupational health and safety of these workers are placed at risk due to night work or shift work schedules, working cultures, repetitive tasks, among others. This study aimed to describe and assess the occupational health and safety conditions in a BPO company in Metro Manila, Philippines. It also intended to propose a project that addresses the prioritized issues and implement it on a short-term basis. Monitoring and implementation were performed as well. The protocol of the program was adapted from University of the Philippines College of Public Health. The situational analysis was conducted using a walkthrough survey. Interviews with key informants, review of relevant documents, work environment measurement (WEM) particularly for illumination and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) among the rank and file employees were also employed. Problems identified were classified into three: hazards (health and safety), health outcomes and health system. Based on a decision matrix criterion comprising of the magnitude of the problem, urgency, impact, feasibility and presence of a policy, the non-compliance to some provisions of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Standards on Occupational Health Services under the health system category was acknowledged as the urgent concern. A project titled: Project “CALL": Compliance with OSH Standards for ALL was then planned. Implementation and evaluation of the project were not broadly realized attributable to the company’s restrictions. Despite that, the partial success rate was achieved (25%). This paper recommends to conduct a rigorous study on the BPO firms nationwide of which results of the present study, although small scale, might have baseline implications.