University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus

About: University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus is a education organization based out in San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 1711 authors who have published 1496 publications receiving 27756 citations.

‘Generic to genetic’ transition in cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric drugs: opportunity for personalized medicine

Abstract: The challenge of generic transition One of the common challenges in pharmaco­ genetics 10 years ago was a perceived conflict between the marketing model of the pharma­ ceutical industry based on blockbuster medi­ cations and the clinical model of personalized medicine based on individualized prescription. Now this conflict has nearly vanished, as the blockbuster brands are yesterday’s products, and the marketplace has a cornucopia of generics. The healthcare sectors embracing pharmaco­ genetics are now the pharmacy management and managed care constituencies. For every dollar spent on branded products, only 10–20 cents is required to buy a generic equivalent. The resulting spread of 80 cents is there for distri­ bution, and there is an economic incentive for pharmacogenetics business to grab it.

Removing sensory input disrupts spinal locomotor activity in the early postnatal period

Abstract: Motor patterns driving rhythmic movements of our lower limbs during walking are generated by groups of neurons within the spinal cord, called central pattern generators (CPGs). After suffering a spinal cord injury (SCI), many descending fibers from our brain are severed or become nonfunctional, leaving the spinal CPG network without its initiating drive. Recent studies have focused on the importance of maintaining sensory stimulation to the limbs of SCI patients as a way to initiate and control the CPG locomotor network. We began assessing the role of sensory feedback to the locomotor CPG network using a neonatal mouse spinal cord preparation where the hindlimbs are still attached. Removing sensory feedback coming from the hindlimbs by way of a lower lumbar transection or by ventral root denervation revealed a positive correlation in the ability of sensory input deprivation to disrupt ongoing locomotor activity on older versus younger animals. The differences in the motor responses as a function of age could be correlated with the loss of excitatory activity from sensory afferents. Continued studies on this field could eventually provide key information that translates into the design of novel therapeutic strategies to treat patients who have suffered a SCI.

Higher incidence of atrial fibrillation in the metabolic syndrome: a Hispanic population study.

Abstract: UNLABELLED The metabolic syndrome is probably one of the main medical problems in developing countries. Purpose of this investigation was to study the metabolic syndrome at the Puerto Rico and Caribbean Cardiovascular Center with emphasis on the cardiovascular complications. MATERIALS/METHODS The medical charts in the last six years of the metabolic syndrome were evaluated at the PRCCC. RESULTS One Hundred and Seventy-Three patients met the consensus criteria of the metabolic syndrome. The mean age was 60 years. Fifty-seven percent were males and 42% females. The mean body mass was 30 kg/m. The ejection fraction was subnormal (49 +/- 8%). The end systolic dimension of the left atrium was increased (45 +/- 10mm) when compared to normal. The incidence of atrial fibrillation was 16%. CONCLUSIONS The metabolic syndrome in this sub-group of Hispanics, showed a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation without ventricular tachycardia. This is probably related to abnormal left ventricular and atrial function.

Glycemic control and the outcomes of Hispanic patients with diabetes admitted to the general ward of a community hospital in Puerto Rico.

Abstract: Objective: Uncontrolled glucose, present in 40% of diabetic patients admitted to United States hospitals, has been associated with prolonged length of stay and poorer general outcomes in critically ill and surgical patients. However, past studies of general ward patients have shown there to be no consistent benefits of strict glucose control, and the Hispanic population has been underrepresented in such studies. This work evaluated the association between glycemic control and the outcomes of hospitalized Hispanics with diabetes and to describe physicians’ interventions in the treatment of diabetes. Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of all patients with diabetes admitted over a period of six months in the general ward of a community hospital in Puerto Rico. We evaluated glucose levels during the first 72 hours, length of stay, and reported complications during admission. Outcomes were evaluated with crude odds ratios and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Uncontrolled blood glucose was observed in 59.1% of the 875 patients whose records were revised; of that 59.1%, treatment modification was not prescribed for 43.2%. Patients with poorly controlled glucose were more likely to develop acute coronary syndrome (corrected OR: 11.46; 95% CI = 1.48 - 88.50) as a complication and less likely to develop hypoglycemia (corrected OR: 0.57; 95% = CI 0.37 - 0.88). Conclusion: Our results suggest that hospitalized but non-critically ill Hispanic patients with diabetes are prone to poor outcomes secondary to uncontrolled glucose levels; in addition, those results support the creation of standardized protocols for the management of diabetes in this population.

Use of Supplements in Puerto Rican Older Adults Residing in an Elderly Project

Abstract: Objective: There has been a notable increase in the use of nutritional supplements in elders. Studies indicate that there may be a health risk in this population associated with the possible interactions of supplements with medications. Objective: Explore the profile of use of nutritional supplements in the elderly and the possible health risks from the concurrent use of certain supplements and medications. Methods: This was an exploratory cross-sectional study in a convenient sample of 130 subjects aged 60 years and older. The data was collected using a previously validated questionnaire. Chi 2 was used to associate the use of supplements by demographics and health information and Spearman correlation to establish the relationship between the number of nutritional supplements, medications used and health conditions reported. Results: About 63% of the subjects were women. Women used more supplements compared to men (p<0.05). Most common supplements used were multivitamins and calcium. Non vitamin non mineral (NVNM) supplements use was low and the most used were garlic, chondroitin, glucosamine, and ginger. The conditions most related to the use of supplements were hypertension and arthritis. There was a significant correlation between the number of nutritional supplements with number of medications (R=0.27; p<0.01) and number of health conditions (R=0.31; p<0.01). There were 8 possible health risks associated with the use of NVNM together with anticoagulants and antidiabetics. Conclusion: Supplement use was higher in women and in participants with hypertension and arthritis, with some potential risks to health between the use of certain NVNM and medications. [P R Health Sci J 2012;4:213-219]