The study aimed to add to cancer research literature by addressing the problems caused by lengthy processing of biopsy specimens and the limited number of pathologists around the country. Focus on thyroid cancer, the study offered the use of Fourier transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy imaging “to detect malignancy before visual changes [become] evident…a limitation of H&E-stained samples.”

Using artificial intelligence through neural networks in the clinical setting, the study was able to accurately distinguish “between malignant and the benign thyroid lesions using FTIR data. The best NN-based model was able to obtain an accuracy…far beyond the performance metrics of other models.”

The study’s next phase involves the testing and the evaluation of the NN-based models in a new data set, which will serve as the testing set, according to the study’s summary.

Tomas was joined in the study by fellow Thomasian researchers , , , Abegail Santillan; Ruth Bangaoil, Rolando Lopez, Maria Honolina Gomez, Allan Fellizar, Antonio Lim, and Lorenzo Abanilla.

The post Grad school student’s paper on discrimination of thyroid lesions through neural networks wins third place in PAASE poster contest appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

The study, entitled “Isolation and Affinity Purification of Peptide Analog of In Silico of Zika Virus,” utilized IgY technology, “a cost-effective, high antibody yield, and animal-friendly technology [in which] antibodies are harvested from egg yolks of chickens immunized with known antigens.” The researchers produced IgY specifically raised against in silico predicted unique immunogenic epitope of Zika NS1 antigen, which may be used in the development of a Zika virus-specific serological test.

The UST researchers joined Prof. Leslie Michelle Dalmacio and Asst. Prof. Laarni Grace Corales of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, and funding was secured from the UP National Institutes of Health.

The present study gave UST its back-to-back win in the said category.

The post Guevarra, BS Biochem alumni win best poster award for health sciences in NAST conference appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

Emerging as the Champion of the Young Scientists Forum is 2019 Summa cum Laude Simon Miguel Lopez, who presented the research entitled “Cholinergic, beta-secretase, and oxidative activity evaluation of spider venom from Philippine Tarantula (Therposidae),” which he co-authored with Jeremy S. Aguilar, Jerene Bashia B. Fernandez, Angelic Gayle J. Lao, Anna Beatriz R. Mayor, Mirzi Rain R. Estrella, Lance Ehrold D. Sarmiento, and faculty members Mark Kevin P. Devanadera, , , and .

Meanwhile, two faculty members placed third in their respective categories in the poster presentations segment of the conference. Winning 3rd Place for Natural Proucts is (LESO) Administrator , for the research “Immunogenicity and specific antipeptide binding activity of in silico predicted epitope of fragilysin from Bacteroides fragilis.” Co-authoring the paper with Guevarra were Gieanne Louise J. Abara, Christian Rafael B. Lorenzo, Maryrose O. Boongaling, and .

Finally, winning in the category of Health was Mr. Mark Kevin P. Devanadera, for the research entitled “Evaluation of the cytotoxic activity of polyunsaturated fatty acids and its concoction on human breast adenocarcinoma cells.” His co-authors were R.M. Bennett, K. Watanabe, , , T. Aki, and .

The post Biochem alumnus, faculty win awards in int’l conference appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

Gathering over 100 attendees from different academic, government, and industry sectors, the second symposium updating the participants on the advances in polymers; materials science; nanotechnology; green, computational, medicinal, synthetic, and organic chemistry; and opening up possibilities of engaging them in meaningful collaborations.

The symposium held both plenary and poster presentation sessions over the two days.

Delivering talks were:

1. Distinguished Prof. Jui-Ming Yeh, PhD (Synthesis, characterization, and applications of biomimetic coating materials)
2. Prof. Jose H. Bergantin, Jr., PhD (Bacteriophage-based Impedimetric Biosensors for Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium ���Ի���Aeromonas hydrophila)
3. (Molecular Docking of Ipalbidine into Human Cyclooxygenase-2 Crystal Structures)
4. Asst. Prof. Rafael Alfonso, MSc (Molecular Docking: How to fight diseases with your laptop)
5. Prof. Chung-Der Hsiao, PhD (Use Zebrafish as an in vivo model to study obesity, aging, and ecotoxicity)
6. (Metabolomic profile analyses in the study of oleaginous and carotenogenous thraustochytrids)
7. Prof. Yi-Ning Chen, PhD (Emerging disease viruses in the bat populations of Taiwan)
8. (Inhibitory activity of some natural spiro-indole alkaloids in HIV latently infected cell lines)
9. Assoc. Prof. Hsi-Wei Jia, PhD (NMR Investigation of Acetylacetone Tautomerization)
10. (Asymmetric dearomatization of furans for the enantioselective synthesis of enterolactone natural products)
11. Asst. Prof. Amily Fang-Ju Jou, PhD (Optical genosensor for cancer screening)
12. (Bioactive Venom Peptides from Philippine Tarantula Phlogiellus bundokalbo [Theraposidae])

Three scientific posters were likewise recognized during the event. The three best scientific posters were:

1st Place

Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) and Colorectal Cancer Development among Filipinos

by Ana Maria D. Cariño, Edrienne Myena M. Magat, Gregg Austine Balanag, Allan Felizar, Dr. Teresa Sy-Ortin, MD, , and .

This paper was a collaboration of people from UST’s , , , , and Hospital, as well as scientists from the Quirino State University and Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center.

2nd Place

Discovery of novel SPIRODIOXYNAPHTHALENE derivatives with anti-microbial, nematicidal, and cytotoxic properties from Sparticola junci

by Katherine Yasmin M. Garcia, Charles David V. Pabillo, Chayanard Phukhamsakda, Kevin D. Hyde, Marc Stadler, and Prof. Allan Patrick G. Macabeo, Dr. rer. nat.

This transnational research was a collaboration among UST, Mae Fah Luyang University, and Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research – Braunschweig, Germany.

3rd Place

External Calibration vs Standard Addition Method in the Determination of Calcium in Drinking Water by ICP-OES for Proficiency Testing Studies

by Clarissa J. Gatchalian, Christian D. Laurio, Elyson Keith P. Encarnacion, and Benilda S. Ebarvia

The researchers represented the Department of Science and Technology’s Industrial Technology Development Institute.

The collaboration with CYCU began in 2010, when the first Memorandum of Understanding was first signed. Since then, CYCU has hosted UST’s Engineering, Physics, and Chemistry students for internship, as well as alumni and faculty for postgraduate studies.

A two-year joint project between Prof. Jui-Ming Yeh and was also finished in 2017, resulting in a number of international joint publications and theses topics of undergraduate and graduate students.

#ThomasianPartners

The post UST, CYCU-Taiwan hold 2nd joint symposium on chemical sciences appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

Now in its 20th year, the theme for the celebration was, “Dalawang Dekadang Pagpapala, Pasasalamat, at Pagdiririwang sa Tagumpay ng Gurong Tomasino.” (Two Decades of Blessing, Gratitude, and Celebration of the Success of Thomasian Teachers)

In his message, UST Rector , commended the appropriateness of the theme, “…sapagkat sa nakaraang dalawang dekada ay maraming Tomasinong guro ang naglaan ng oras at panahon sa pagtuturo ng mahusay, sa patuloy na pagsasaliksik at paglikha, sa pagtulong sa pamayanan at paglilingkod nang tapat sa Unibersidad.” (…because in the last 20 years, many Thomasian mentors have dedicated their time to excellent teaching, continued research and innovation, and being active in the community and loyal service to the University.)

However, the Father Rector also emphasized that the true success of teachers lie not in the number of years of service, and cannot be measured by the number of awards received or research works produced.

“Kung susuriing mabuti, malaking bahagi ng kanyang tagumpay ay mamamalas sa kinalalagyan, o kalidad at antas ng pamumuhay ng mga magaaral na dumaan sa kanyang masusing pagtitistis at pagtatasa, at matiyagang paghuhubog sa kanilang mga kamalayan, upang maayos na matimbang ang katuwiran laban sa kamalian, matutuhan ang tamang paraan kung paano umiwas sa mga panlilinlang, at magkaroon ng lakas ng loob na manindigan sa katotohanan,” Fr. Dagohoy explained. (If we would contemplate it, a large part of [a teacher’s] success is manifested in the status or quality and level of living of students passing through their thorough scrutiny and assessment, and patiently molding their consciousness, in order to properly weigh out righteousness against error, to learn the right way to avoid deceptions, and to have the courage to stand up for the truth.)

Quoting the philosopher George Steiner, the Father Rector reminded the faculty of their mission, “To awaken in another human being powers, dreams beyond one’s own; to induce in others a love for that which one loves; to make of one’s inward present their future; that is a threefold adventure like no other.”

Former University Rector and former Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education Rev. Fr. Rolando V. de la Rosa, O.P., was the guest speaker. In his address, he challenged faculty members to remember that teaching is not merely a profession, but also a profound vocation.  He discussed, “[As God’s call,] a vocation is a fundamental decision in life, defines the person’s presence in the world, expresses one’s deepest identity, and orients one’s actions towards destiny.”

Following the address was the awarding of the Gawad Benavides or the service awards for milestone years. Thirty-seven faculty members received the Gawad Benavides for 20 years, while 38 mentors were awarded for 25 years of service. Twenty received the award for 30 years of service, and 23 were lauded for 35 years of service.

For 40 years of service in the University, eight were recognized, namely: ., from the ; Asst. Prof. Carmelita Cardona and Assoc. Prof. Rodolfo Rabor from the ; Prof. Ma. Corazon Zaida Gamilla, M.D., Prof. Josephine Lumitao, M.D., and Assoc. Prof. Edgardo Orlina, M.D., from the ; Assoc. Prof. Ma. Rebecca Penafiel from the ; and Assoc. Prof. Evangeline Timbang from the . Dr. Gamilla gave the response on behalf of all awardees.  

The Gawad San Alberto Magno, a special award for outstanding published research, was given to , of the Faculty of Pharmacy under the Health Sciences category (Immunology of a Fap2 peptide mimotope of Fusobacterium nucleatum and its potential use in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer); Asst. Prof. Andrea G. Vargas, Ph.D., of the Faculty of Pharmacy under the Science and Technology category (Cloning molecular analysis, and developmental expression of 3 oleosin cDNA isoforms in coconut [Cocos nucifera L.]); and Assoc. Prof. Moises Norman Z. Garcia, Ph.D., and Assoc. Prof. Maria Rosario Virginia C. Garcia, Ph.D., of the under the Social Sciences and Education category (The Environmental Literacy of Elementary School Teachers based in the City of Manila and Nueva Ecija Province). , of the under the Humanities and Cultural Studies category and for outstanding publication, namely, for his research work “Ang Tagalabas sa Panitikan” while his book “Ang Nawawala” earned him the Outstanding Book award under the Humanities and Cultural Studies category.    

The Gawad San Lorenzo Ruiz is given to those with outstanding achievements or are recognized in the national or international scene. The awardees were: College of Science mentors , who received the Alexander von Humboldt Research Award and ., who was named  2018 Outstanding Young Scientist in Pharmaceutical Sciences by the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines, and Novartis Next Generation Scientist by the Novartis Pharma Switzerland; Faculty of Arts and Letters mentor Mr. Paul A. Castillo who won the third place in the Talaang Ginto Makata ng Taon 2018 given by the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino; faculty member and Director who was named Greatest Individual for Education Inclusion in the 2017 Edu Tech Asia Awards by the EduTech Asia / Terrapin; Faculty of Pharmacy Dean , who was named ‘Outstanding Pharmacist’ in the 2018 Outstanding Professional of the Year Award by the Professional Regulation Commission; and Dean Prof. Patricia M. Empleo, Ph.D.,  who was named to the Global Accounting ‘Hall of Fame’ by the Institute of Certified Management Accountant.

The board of judges was composed of academics in the various disciplines, and literary writers:  Arnold V. Hallare, Dr. rer nat., Hope Sabanpan-Yu, Amaryllis T. Torres, Alfred A. Yuson, Galileo S. Zafra, Ph.D., Maricar W. Ching, Ph.D., Evelyn A. Songco, Ph.D., Edilberto P. Manahan, Ph.D., Junie B. Billones, Ph.D., Mark Anthony D. Abenir, DSD, and Esperanza C. Cabrera, Ph.D.

The post 138 faculty members receive distinction at 20th Dangal ng UST Awards appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

The CHED-funded research, entitled UST’s “Spider Venom Project,” is headed by Asst. Prof. Myla R. Santiago, M.Sc. of the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy.  The said research is in collaboration with Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) and the City University of New York (CUNY).  ProVe group is also composed of Prof. Librado A. Santigao, PhD; Asst. Prof. Angelica Bernadette C. Crisostomo, MBioEd; Ms. Gladys I. Bathan, MSc; Mr. Leonardo A. Guevarra Jr., MSc; Asst. Prof. Gardee T. Peña, MSc; Asst. Prof. Ma. Irene D. Liu, MSc, of the Department of Biochemistry;  Prof. Olga Nuñeza, PhD from MSU-IIT; Research Associates Mr. Mark Kevin P. Devanadera and Ms. Anna Beatriz R. Mayor, RCh; and Prof. Sebastien Poget, PhD from The City University of New York.

According to the proposal’s initial abstract, “the research program can lead to positive impact on the lives of the general public through (1) generation of sustainable development strategies to identify pharmacologic diversity and potential of spider venoms (2) improvement of transdisciplinary understanding of the importance of Philippine spiders in conserving the environmental richness of Philippines biodiversity (3) identify platforms for policy guidelines in terms of protection of pharmacological innovations, spider biodiversity and conservation. The program will also be able to assist undergrad/post grad students in finishing their thesis/dissertations and even high school students in local communities where spider collection has been conducted. Experts from collaborating institutions will also serve as facilitators in the development of advanced courses in biochemistry, biotechnology and venomics among their respective institutions. Also, research outputs including publications and possible patents may be generated from spider bioactive peptides with novel therapeutic leads.”

Last September 6, 2017, the team was joined by Dr. Custer C. Deocaris, the Chief of Research of the Commission on Higher Education, for a legislative consultation with Congressman Ferjenel G. Biron of the fourth district of Iloilo. This consultation was done in line with the Congressional Budget Hearing of CHEd. In the consultation, Congressman Biron consulted the UST scientists on how to better support the innovation and intellectual property protection systems with regard to Philippine natural resources.

Congressman Biron cited the case of erythromycin.  The blockbuster antibiotic was discovered in 1952 by Eli Lilly, a US-based global pharmaceutical industry from bacteria isolated in Iloilo, his home province.  The company filed for patent protection and erythromycin was launched commercially in 1952 under the brand name Ilosone, after the Philippine region of Iloilo.

The meeting concluded with Congressman Biron promising to make a manifestation in the Congressional Plenary to lobby for greater research budget for higher education.

The post Proteomics and Venomics group join City University of New York, MSU-IIT to work on spider venom research appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

The authors were Asst. Prof. Michael L. Bahrami-Hessari, MSc and of the ; of the of the , Assoc. Prof. Teresa Sy-Ortin, MD of the , Claudine Afable, Patricia Joyce O. Belza, Karen Y. Dy, Scott Justin Lee, Lhaura May Somera, M.C. Corpuz, Nichole Manrique, and of the .

#ThomasianExcellence #ThomasianResearchers

The post Research on Protein C of E. coli as biomarkers for colorectal cancer detection wins Best Paper award in microbiology convention appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.