College of Arts and Sciences

Anthelmintic activity of wild chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens Linnaeus) fruit ethanolic extract against Ascaridia galli

2026-03-23T03:00:46Z

Anthelmintic activity of wild chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens Linnaeus) fruit ethanolic extract against Ascaridia galli Callao, Uriel Vincent; Namocatcat, Richie; Marco, Althea Margarette This study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic activity of wild chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) fruit extract against Ascaridia galli, a common gastrointestinal parasite in native chickens. C. frutescens, known for its high capsaicin content, was hypothesized to offer a natural and cost-effective alternative to synthetic dewormers like levamisole. Using a randomized controlled trial, mortality rates ofA. galli were assessed at four extract concentrations (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%) and compared with 1mg/ml of levamisole (positive control) and a negative control (Normal Saline Solution). Results demonstrated dose-dependent efficacy, with the 100% extract achieving complete worm mortality significantly faster (1min and 43s) than levamisole (8mins and 27s). Lower concentrations of the extract showed progressively reduced activity. These findings highlight the potential of C. frutescens as a potent natural anthelmintic. However, practical challenges, such as scalability and the need for high fruit volumes, warrant further research, including in vivo trials and optimization of capsaicin formulations for sustainable poultry farming solutions. Abstract only

"Balancing books and burdens": Narratives of low-income students in a private higher educational institution

2026-03-19T09:00:25Z

"Balancing books and burdens": Narratives of low-income students in a private higher educational institution De Guzman, Isra Jenylle D.; Lapidante, Janelle Patrice H.; Cabalum, Marcela H.; Geroy, Arla Lyn E.; Magluyan, Babylyn A.; Piolo, Alyssa Jane G. This study explored the lived experiences of low-income students in a private higher education institution. Guided by a social constructionist and interpretivist framework, the study employed narrative inquiry to document and interpret how students make sense of their academic, financial, and social realities. Six participants aged 18-25 were selected through snowball sampling, all of whom are self-identified as coming from a low-income household and were enrolled in a private institution. Data were gathered through semi structured interviews, transcribed verbatim, and analyze using Braun and Clarke’s(2006) six-phase thematic analysis. Five key themes emerged from the narratives, Vulnerability (Difficulties), Determination, Coping or Survival Mechanisms, Institutional Support (or Lack Thereof), lastly Social Stigma and Exclusion. Findings revealed that while poverty poses persistent barriers to academic success. Low-income students exhibit strong resilience, faith, and self-determination in facing and overcoming adversity. Their narratives reveal that persistence in higher education is anchored on three key factors: personal determination, social and family support, and institutional assistance. The study recommends that educational institutions and policy makers strengthen scholarship programs, support, and design inclusive academic policies to ensure equity and student retention. This research highlights that education for low income students is not merely an ambition, but a profound act of resilience, sacrifice and hope for a better future. Abstract only

Bacterial microbiota of African catfish Clarias gariepinus during the hatchery and nursery phases of culture in the Philippines

2026-03-10T03:29:09Z

Bacterial microbiota of African catfish Clarias gariepinus during the hatchery and nursery phases of culture in the Philippines Pakingking, Rolando Jr; Solis, Faye Danielle; Palma, Peter; Dela Peña, Leobert The bacterial microbiota of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) during hatchery and nursery phases were examined across eight production cycles in two commercial farms in the Philippines. Bacterial identification was performed using conventional methods and the API 20E test, with further confirmation of selected isolates via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Heterotrophic plate count (HPC), presumptive Aeromonas count (PAC), and presumptive Vibrio count (PVC) varied in hatchery rearing water (10³–10⁵ CFU/mL for HPC; 10²–10⁴ CFU/mL for PAC and PVC) and fry samples (10⁴–10⁷ CFU/g for HPC; undetectable–10⁶ CFU/g for PAC; 10²–10⁴ CFU/g for PVC). In the nursery phase, similar fluctuations were observed in rearing water, fingerlings, and sediment. Microbial diversity analysis revealed 21 species (15 genera) in hatchery rearing water and 14 species (8 genera) in fry, with Aeromonas hydrophila, A. sobria, and Vibrio cholerae as predominant species (>15%). In the nursery phase, 29 species (16 genera), 28 species (15 genera), and 21 species (14 genera) were identified from rearing water, sediment, and fingerlings, respectively, with A. hydrophila, A. sobria, and Bacillus subtilis dominating (>14%). This study highlights the dynamic composition of bacterial communities in catfish culture systems, with rearing environments shaping the microbiota of juvenile fish. The presence of opportunistic and zoonotic pathogens underscores the risk of disease outbreaks, particularly under suboptimal conditions. These findings emphasize the need for stringent biosecurity measures and improved hatchery and nursery management practices to enhance fish health, prevent economic losses, and ensure the sustainability of aquaculture production. Educating hatchery and nursery workers on safe aquaculture practices and hygiene protocols is crucial to minimizing health risks to both fish and humans while ensuring efficient and responsible catfish production. Journal article

Abundance, diversity, and antibiotic resistance of Aeromonas spp. in well water from selected Barangays in Iloilo City, Philippines

2026-03-09T06:45:51Z

Abundance, diversity, and antibiotic resistance of Aeromonas spp. in well water from selected Barangays in Iloilo City, Philippines Recalcar, Lois; Leñar, Therese Angela; Luzano, Kylene Marie; Matandac, William Jr; Pentojo, Miles Roland; Robles, Simon John; Sabinay, Stephen; Palma, Peter; Pakingking, Rolando Jr This study investigated the abundance, diversity, and antibiotic resistance patterns of Aeromonas spp. in well water from five selected barangays (villages) in Iloilo City, alongside heterotrophic bacterial counts and physicochemical parameters during the dry (March to May) and wet (June to August) seasons. Presumptive Aeromonas counts reached 10³ CFU/mL during the dry season and 10² CFU/mL during the wet season, while heterotrophic plate counts peaked at 10⁴ CFU/mL and 10³ CFU/mL, respectively. Seasonal variations significantly influenced water quality, with higher temperatures, biochemical oxygen demand, and total dissolved solids recorded during the dry season, while dissolved oxygen levels were elevated during the wet season (p < 0.05). Aeromonas hydrophila was the most prevalent (59%), followed by A. veronii (21%). Other predominant bacterial species included Escherichia coli (12%), Enterococcus faecium (5%), and Staphylococcus aureus (7%), the latter found only in the wet season. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 10 antibiotics commonly used in human-veterinary medicine, and aquaculture, revealed high resistance to amoxicillin (A. hydrophila: 98.6%; A. veronii: 96%; E. faecium: 100%; E. coli: 100%; : 100%), erythromycin (100%; 60%; 100%; 100%; 100%), and neomycin (97.1%; 92%; 50%; 57.1%; 100%). Multidrug resistance was widespread, with MAR indices exceeding 0.2, indicating substantial antibiotic exposure and contamination from high-risk sources. This is the first report on the load, composition, and antibiotic resistance of Aeromonas spp. in well water in the Philippines, underscoring the need for continuous microbial monitoring, improved well-water disinfection, and strengthened antibiotic stewardship to mitigate public health risks associated with contaminated groundwater sources. Journal article