Lorma Colleges Institutional Research Forum 2025

X-Ray Absorption of Soil-Cement Mixture: An Alternative for Lead

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

X-Ray Absorption of Soil-Cement Mixture: An Alternative for Lead Carl Adrian M. Almoite; Krysha Hazel G. Bonnit; Emil Marc M. Claro; Lexi Anne A. Corpuz; Carl Henry H. Soliven; Foral Cyd D. Tayaban This study investigated the potential of a soil-cement mixture as a substitute shielding material for X-ray absorption. As concerns about the effects of lead on the environment and human health have increased, it has become needed to find safer and more sustainable alternatives. In this study, particular soil types were combined with cement, and their capacity to attenuate X-rays was assessed. Experimental results showed that the soil-cement combinations provided shielding effectiveness comparable to lead within diagnostic energy ranges. The researchers collected soil samples from La Union, Philippines. Each soil type was mixed with 2:1,1:2, and 1:3, molded into bricks, and cured for seven days. The samples were then exposed to X-rays at 70kvp,200mA, and 4mAs using a calibrated diagnostic X-ray machine. The absorption rates were measured using Fluke Model 451B-BYR Radiation Survey Meter placed behind each sample. The results showed that all soil-cement mixtures significantly absorbed X-ray radiation. Among the samples, the sand-cement mixture exhibited the highest absorption, followed by clay and loam. Despite variations in absorption level, statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the shielding performance of soil-cement mixtures and that of lead, particularly in certain mixture ratios with higher compactness. The study concluded that soil-cement mixtures have the potential to serve as environmentally friendly and effective alternatives to lead. Future researchers should explore variations in mixes, energy-specific shielding effectiveness, and environmental impacts as substitutes for lead. Tests should also be repeated under controlled conditions or with cooled x-ray equipment.

Anticoagulant Property of Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) Leaf Extract Formulated as Solution

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Anticoagulant Property of Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) Leaf Extract Formulated as Solution Irish Glean N. Almojuela; Marielle Jan M. Balagot; Jessie Anne M. Cahimari; Luvly Arnie M. Casuga; Trisha Keith B. Macario; Wala O. Omar Coagulopathy is a growing global health concern, often associated with conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, which increase the risk of thrombotic events like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Current anticoagulant therapies, including warfarin and heparin, are effective but pose risks such as bleeding complications and require close monitoring (Harter et al., 2015). This study explored the anticoagulant potential of Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), a medicinal plant traditionally used to manage high blood pressure and diabetes. Rich in bioactive compounds like alkaloids and flavonoids, periwinkle has the potential to influence blood coagulation pathways. An in vitro experiment was conducted using human plasma samples from females aged 18 to 21 years with blood type A. Ethanol-extracted periwinkle leaf was tested at three concentrations (0.05 g/100 mL, 0.1 g/100 mL, and 0.2 g/100 mL) to evaluate its effect on Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT). Distilled water served as the negative control, while garlic extract was used as the positive control. Results showed that the 0.2 g/100 mL concentration had the most pronounced anticoagulant effect, with mean PT value of 26.6 seconds and mean aPTT value of 53.3 seconds, respectively. Lower concentrations namely 0.1g/100 mL yielded a mean PT of 19.3 seconds and aPTT of 43.7 seconds, while 0.05g/100 mL yielded a mean PT of 17.5 seconds and aPTT of 43.7 seconds, which showed shorter clotting times, confirming a dose-dependent response. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences between experimental and control groups, particularly at the highest concentration (p < 0.00005). These findings suggest that Catharanthus roseus extract exhibits promising anticoagulant activity and may serve as a natural alternative to conventional anticoagulants, warranting further investigation in clinical settings.

Wound Burn Healing Property of Puting Anghel (Wrightia antidysenterica) Leaves Extract as Topical Cream in Wistar Albino Rats

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Wound Burn Healing Property of Puting Anghel (Wrightia antidysenterica) Leaves Extract as Topical Cream in Wistar Albino Rats Lynmarie Kate S. Abando; Jasmine Claire O. Castro; Menchie M. Damisil; Denise Josh R. Jamolo; Alnicko C. Obligacion Burn wound injuries are prevalent global health issues that frequently result in pain, infection, scarring, and even death. In the Philippines, the UP-PGH ATR Burn Center reports that most second-degree burn patients are children (50%) and working-age adults (25%) due to poor supervision and work accidents. Effective treatments are essential to promote healing, reduce complications, and minimize scarring. Puting Anghel (Wrightia antidysenterica) leaves contain flavonoids, tannins, phenols, and alkaloids, suggesting wound healing potential when formulated into a cream. Patch and Scratch Tests on three guinea pigs confirmed its safety, showing no signs of irritation. The cream’s effectiveness was evaluated using five rat groups: three received different concentrations of Puting Anghel cream, one received Aloe Vera gel (positive control), and one received cream base (negative control). Histopathological analysis and epithelialization time were assessed. ANOVA and post-hoc analyses showed that the 75% concentration of Puting Anghel cream had significantly better re-epithelialization, neovascularization, granulation tissue formation, fibroblast maturation, and lower inflammation compared to the cream base (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the 75% Puting Anghel cream and Aloe Vera gel, indicating comparable healing effects. The study concludes that 75% Puting Anghel cream is a safe and effective wound treatment.

Pomelo (Citrus maxima) as a Clearing Extract in Tissue Processing

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Pomelo (Citrus maxima) as a Clearing Extract in Tissue Processing Jhoana Marie F. Alagna; John Philip V. Almodovar; Jhell Ashley J. Calub; Yvonne G. Lagarteja; June Joshua R. Maglalang; Razen B. Mercado; Heena R. Sheetak Clearing is a critical step in tissue processing which involves removing alcohol from tissue samples to prepare them for paraffin embedding, in a routine tissue processing. Xylene is volatile, readily producing flammable and toxic concentrations at room temperature. A known non-toxic substance with similar characteristics with xylene is called D-limonene. It appears to perform adequately as a wax solvent and cleaning agent, as it has a reduced fire risk compared with xylene. In this study, D-Limonene from pomelo peel extract was utilized as a clearing agent in tissue processing. This study aims to: 1) determine the effect of pomelo peel extract on chicken liver tissue; 2) investigate the most effective clearing time of pomelo peel extract; and 3) compare the effectiveness of different treatments against xylene. The control group consisted of 3 replicates of chicken liver tissue cleared with xylene, while the experimental group included 3 treatments; treatment 1 (60 minutes), treatment 2 (120 minutes), and treatment 3 (180 minutes) with 3 replicates each. Statistical analysis revealed that the mean of treatment 2 indicated a good clearing agent in terms of clearing ability through evaluation of the translucency, evaporation rate in the paraffin oven, compatibility with the hematoxylin and eosin stain, morphological changes of the chicken liver tissue based on the degree of shrinkage or swelling, while the control group showed a satisfactory clearing ability. These results indicate the potential of pomelo (Citrus maxima) peel extract as an alternative clearing agent in tissue processing. Therefore, further studies are strongly recommended.