Courage Chandipwisa, Harrison Banda, Agness Shimilimo

Plant secondary metabolites are natural compounds with immunomodulatory and adjuvant properties that may complement conventional vaccines and support regionally relevant vaccine strategies in Africa. This structured narrative review analyzed English-language studies published between 2000 and 2025 from PubMed, Google Scholar, Elsevier, and EBSCOhost. Included publications comprised original research, systematic reviews, and clinical trials addressing mechanisms, formulation, safety, and clinical development. Evidence included in vitro studies, animal models, formulation research, and human investigations. Preclinical findings show that selected metabolites enhance antigen presentation, promote dendritic cell maturation, and strengthen humoral and cellular immune responses through modulation of key signaling pathways. Triterpenoid saponins from Quillaja saponaria have progressed into clinical adjuvant platforms, while polysaccharides from Moringa oleifera and flavonoids from Curcuma longa and Artemisia annua demonstrate immunostimulatory effects and improved antigen stability in preclinical models. Nanoencapsulation improves compound stability and delivery but lacks sufficient clinical validation. Clinical translation requires standardized phytochemical characterization, comprehensive safety evaluation, regulatory harmonization, validated manufacturing processes, and adequately powered clinical trials with defined immunological endpoints.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Karl Cirilson Ellema Angulo

Coastal ecosystems support high levels of marine biodiversity and provide essential services, including shoreline protection, carbon sequestration, and fisheries production. Silot Bay, Liloan, Cebu, Philippines, is an ecologically and socio-economically important embayment; however, biodiversity assessments in the area remain sparse and temporally fragmented. This study presents a narrative review with structured literature search elements to synthesize available ecological studies on major taxonomic groups, including mangroves, fish, meiofauna, and algae, and to evaluate methodological consistency among studies retrieved from Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Philippine E-Journals, and institutional repositories from local universities. A total of nine studies met the inclusion criteria, the majority of which were conducted prior to 2000, with post-2000 research limited to a single study on algal communities. Substantial variation in sampling methods, effort, spatial coverage, and taxonomic resolution constrains direct comparison across studies and limits interpretation of temporal patterns. Differences in reported species richness and community composition are evident across taxa; however, these patterns cannot be confidently attributed to ecological change due to methodological inconsistencies and limited data availability. The small number of studies and reliance on partially inaccessible historical data further restrict the establishment of a reliable biodiversity baseline for Silot Bay. Overall, this review highlights significant knowledge gaps and emphasizes the need for standardized, multi-taxa biodiversity assessments to support long-term monitoring and evidence-based coastal management.

Aquatic Life Sciences

Hafidh Akbar Dinhar, Ilyas Supena

Religious short films have increasingly become a powerful medium for conveying Islamic values in the modern digital era; however, their limited duration often challenges filmmakers in communicating complex spiritual concepts through concise visual storytelling. This study examines how specific cinematographic techniques are strategically utilized to represent the fundamental Islamic values of ikhtiar (earnest human effort) and tawakkal (absolute trust in God) within the short film Doa Suto. A qualitative content analysis approach was employed by examining selected scenes, lighting, and visual compositions throughout the film. The analysis was primarily guided by Mascelli’s Five C’s of cinematography camera angles, continuity, cutting, close-ups, and composition and further supported by the interactive data analysis model of Miles and Huberman to ensure rigorous interpretation. The findings indicate that ikhtiar is visually represented through focused close-up and medium-shot framing, precise continuity editing, and repetitive visual patterns that emphasize persistence, physical labor, and internal emotional struggle. In contrast, the concept of tawakkal is effectively conveyed through expansive wide shots, balanced symmetrical compositions, minimal camera movement, and extended shot durations that symbolize spiritual calmness, divine presence, and total surrender. These visual strategies demonstrate how cinematography functions not only as a narrative tool but also as a symbolic device in communicating deep religious meaning to a digital audience. This study contributes significantly to religious film and media studies by showing how cinematographic techniques operate as a specialized form of visual theology that successfully translates abstract Islamic spiritual values into tangible, evocative cinematic representation for contemporary viewers and filmmakers.

Artistic Studies

Jade Kristelle E. Tagok, John Vincent M. Mission, Janel P. Anito, Jhon Dave S. Amoguis, Clinton D. Sequihod

This study assessed tree species composition and spatial distribution patterns within a 0.32-ha lowland dipterocarp forest in the Philippines. Eight 20 m × 20 m plots were established to document tree species meeting the minimum diameter criterion. Species richness, relative abundance, and selected structural attributes were calculated, and a chi-square test was applied to assess plot-level distribution patterns. A total of 14 tree species were recorded, including dipterocarps and other canopy-associated taxa, as well as shade-tolerant understory species and several light-demanding pioneer species. The presence of shade-tolerant families such as Fagaceae and Lauraceae indicates ongoing recruitment under closed-canopy conditions, while the occurrence of pioneer species suggests localized canopy openings within the sampled area. Distribution analysis showed that some species exhibited aggregated patterns, whereas others did not significantly deviate from random distribution. This indicates that certain species tend to cluster in areas with favorable environmental conditions or resources, while others are more evenly dispersed across the habitat. Given the limited sampling extent and number of plots, the findings are interpreted only at the scale of the study area and do not imply broader forest-level structural conditions. Although species richness was lower than typically reported for larger lowland dipterocarp forest inventories in the Philippines, the results provide preliminary insights into local stand composition and small-scale spatial structure.

Crop Life

Myrane Joy Liclican, Maria Angelica Ganuelas, Marc Jhon Laurence Castillo, Rica Natarte, Estella Cayabyab, Oscar Ancheta Jr.

Teaching is a vital part of attaining knowledge; however, academic recognition also contributes to the performance of a teacher. This study investigated the teaching effectiveness of Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) pre-service teachers, in relates to academic recognition.This study used a quantitative research design, specifically, descriptive-correlation research design. Respondents were 16 randomly selected from the population of 4th year BEEd students accommodating an equal number of with and without academic recognitions. Data were gathered through document analyzation of GPA scores and direct observation of teaching with a standardized evaluation form focused on essential teaching competencies.The study used an evaluation tool that measured the different domains of teaching effectiveness and descriptive statistics and the Chi-Square Test were used to test for the significance of academic status and teaching effectiveness. The result revealed that there is no connection between academic recognition and teaching effectiveness. This implies that simply academic recognition doesn’t affect the teaching effectiveness of BEEd pre-service teachers.

Education and Learning

Yuliawati Yuliawati, Indah Sri Wulan Sofyan, Nurul Kamilah Sadli, Fathnur Sani Kasmadi

Organic mental disorders are psychiatric conditions caused by identifiable brain pathology or specific systemic diseases, characterized by psychotic, affective, anxiety, and cognitive symptoms that can impair daily functioning. Psychotropic medications play a central role in their management; however, data on utilization patterns, particularly among outpatients in regional psychiatric hospitals, remain limited. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the use of psychotropic drugs using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical/Defined Daily Dose (ATC/DDD) method recommended by the World Health Organization, and to identify drugs within the Drug Utilization 90% (DU90%) segment to support rational drug use. This retrospective descriptive study utilized secondary data from medical records of outpatients diagnosed with organic mental disorders at Kolonel H. M. Syukur Regional Psychiatric Hospital, Jambi, in 2024, with a total sampling of 100 patients. The results showed that the total psychotropic drug utilization was 9.89 DDD per patient per day. Antipsychotics were the most frequently used class, followed by antidepressants and anxiolytics. The DU90% segment consisted of eleven drugs, predominantly atypical antipsychotics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and benzodiazepines, with olanzapine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, and alprazolam being the most commonly prescribed. Most patients were male, in the productive age group, and diagnosed with unspecified organic mental disorders. Overall, the pattern of psychotropic drug utilization reflects the complexity of clinical manifestations in organic mental disorders and underscores the importance of monitoring drug use to promote rational prescribing practices in clinical settings.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Muhammad Yusron, Diana Maulianawati

Shrimp aquaculture faces recurrent challenges from Vibrio spp., opportunistic pathogens that threaten production sustainability, particularly in traditional farming systems with limited management inputs. Although Vibrio levels in traditional ponds are generally assumed to remain below pathogenic thresholds, information on their persistence and relationship with water quality remains limited. This study aimed to isolate and quantify Vibrio spp. in traditional shrimp ponds in Tarakan, Indonesia, and evaluate their relationship with key water quality parameters. Water samples were collected biweekly from week 0 to week 10 at three stations in each of two ponds. Vibrio spp. were isolated using Thiosulfate Citrate Bile Salt Sucrose Agar (TCBSA), and Total Vibrio Counts (TVC) were expressed as CFU/mL. Physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH, salinity, and dissolved oxygen) were measured concurrently. Vibrio colonies were consistently detected throughout the culture period, ranging from 1.5 × 10¹ to 2.6 × 10³ CFU/mL in Pond 1 and 2.4 × 10¹ to 1.2 × 10³ CFU/mL in Pond 2, remaining below the pathogenic threshold (1 × 10⁴ CFU/mL). Water quality remained within optimal ranges. Pearson correlation analysis showed weak, non-significant relationships between Vibrio abundance and environmental variables. These findings indicate that Vibrio persistence in traditional shrimp ponds may be influenced by factors beyond physicochemical water quality, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring to support disease prevention and biosecurity management.

Aquatic Life Sciences

Victor Wagner Barajas-Carrillo, Carlos Eduardo Covantes-Rosales, Valeria Estefanía Castrejón-Medina, Alexander Manuel Mendoza-Martínez, Saul Toledo, Adela Yolanda Bueno-Durán, Mercedes Zambrano-Soria, Karina Janice Guadalupe Díaz-Resendiz, Laura Janeth Díaz-Rubio, Iván Córdova-Guerrero

This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of extracts and partitions derived from the root of Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd. ) Poir. , also known as tepezcohuite. Three extracts were prepared through hydroalcoholic maceration, total alkaloid extraction, and Soxhlet extraction. Additionally, four partitions were obtained from the ethanolic extract using the modified Kupchan technique: n-hexane, dichloromethane, n-butanol, and water. Qualitative phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, triterpenoids, reducing sugars, coumarins, and cardiac glycosides in various several fractions, while no anthraquinone glycosides were detected. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS assays. In the DPPH assay, the most active fractions were the butanolic (EC₅₀ = 2.20 ± 0.45 µg/mL) and the ethanolic (EC₅₀ = 2.25 ± 0.01 µg/mL). While, in the ABTS assay, the ethanolic extract and butanol partition were the most active fractions with EC₅₀ values of 4.87 ± 1.11 µg/mL and 5.43 ± 0.21 µg/mL respectively. The less polar fractions (n-hexane, Soxhlet) exhibited lower activity. This study expands the phytochemical knowledge of M. tenuiflora, focusing on its roots, an organ less extensively characterized than the bark regarding its comprehensive phytochemical and antioxidant profile. The results show that this organ is a promising source of bioactive metabolites with antioxidant capacity. This finding justifies further investigation into the pharmacological and therapeutic applications of these compounds, which is particularly relevant given that while previous research has systematically favored the bark, and existing root studies have focused primarily on specific alkaloids, comprehensive profiling remains limited.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Yazee Shyne C. Tulbo, Nethan A. Ramos, Alleyah Nicolette I. Lina, Clinton D. Sequihod

The butterfly species found in Sitio Inadan, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, Philippines were surveyed and documented using transect walks, visual observation, and hand net collection. Four transects were established in selected habitat areas, each measuring approximately 3.05 mi. Sampling was conducted from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM over six consecutive weekends, with one primary observer recording all sightings and captures. A total of 16 species belonging to four families and 14 genera were identified. The family Nymphalidae comprised about 56% of the recorded species, followed by Pieridae, Papilionidae, and Lycaenidae. Abundance categories were based on encounter frequency, where species observed once or twice were classified as Very Rare, and those seen more often were categorized as Common or Very Common. Conservation status was verified using the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List to distinguish global status from local rarity. Although most species are listed as Least Concern, limited sampling suggests possible undersampling of the area.

Tropical Animals

Wawang Anwarudin , Salwa Diana Hanum, Liska Marlindasari, Anna Khalida Sya'bany, Nur Azizah

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health concern, particularly in high-burden countries such as Indonesia. Although TB is curable, prolonged therapy, potential adverse effects, and social stigma may affect medication adherence and patients’ quality of life (QoL). Evaluating the association between adherence and QoL is important to support patient-centered TB management. This study aimed to examine the association between medication adherence and quality of life among tuberculosis patients at Permata Kuningan Hospital. A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted involving 62 TB patients selected through purposive sampling. Medication adherence was assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), and quality of life was measured using the EQ-5D-5L instrument. Data were analyzed using Spearman rank correlation. Most patients demonstrated high adherence (95.2%) and reported good quality of life (96.8%). Statistical analysis showed a significant positive correlation between medication adherence and quality of life (r = 0.384; p = 0.002), indicating that higher adherence was associated with better quality of life. These findings suggest a significant association between medication adherence and quality of life among TB patients. Strategies to support adherence, including education, counseling, and monitoring, may be considered as part of comprehensive TB care to optimize patient-centered outcomes.

Sciences of Pharmacy