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.

Acceptability of Three Novel HIV Prevention Methods Among Young Male and Transgender Female Sex Workers in Puerto Rico.

Abstract: Sex workers need HIV-prevention methods they can control and incorporate easily in their work. We studied the acceptability of three methods: HIV self-test use with clients, oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and rectal microbicide gel. Four male and eight transgender female (TGF) sex workers in Puerto Rico completed a baseline survey with a quantitative measure of likelihood of use. From them, one male and four TGF also completed a 12-week study of rectal microbicide placebo gel use prior to receptive anal intercourse with male clients and evaluated via qualitative in-depth interviews and follow-up quantitative assessments how each method could be incorporated into their work. Most were interested in a rectal microbicide gel and able to use it covertly with clients. Challenges to using the HIV self-test with clients included the potential for both breach of confidentiality and confronting violent situations. Participants also expressed interest in oral PrEP, but raised concerns about side effects.

Tetanus antibody titers and duration of immunity to clinical tetanus infections in free‐ranging rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

Abstract: Prior to 1985 tetanus was a major cause of mortality in the free-ranging colony of rhesus monkeys on Cayo Santiago, accounting for almost a quarter of annual deaths. In 1985 and 1986 all animals (except infants) received primary and booster doses, respectively, of tetanus toxoid. In subsequent years primary immunizations were given to all yearlings, and boosters were administered to all 2-year-old animals during the annual capture of the colony. The main objectives of the tetanus immunization program were to reduce the pain and suffering caused by tetanus infections and to decrease mortality in the colony. Other objectives were to evaluate the efficacy of the two-dose tetanus toxoid immunization protocol and to determine whether additional boosters might be required to provide adequate long-term protection against tetanus infections. The immediate effect of the mass immunization program was the elimination of clinical tetanus infections in the population and a 42.2% reduction in the overall mortality rate. Since the immunization program began, no cases of tetanus have been observed in the colony, except in two unimmunized infants, and it has not been necessary to give tertiary injections of tetanus toxoid to maintain protection against infection. A sample collected in 2004 of the original cohort of monkeys immunized in 1985 and 1986 showed that 93.3% (14/15) had protective tetanus antibody titers (>0.01 IU/ml) at the ages of 20-23 years, which is close to the life expectancy of the Cayo Santiago rhesus macaques. Two intramuscular doses of tetanus toxoid provided long-term, if not lifelong, protection against tetanus for rhesus monkeys living in a tropical clime where tetanus is enzootic and the risk of infection is great.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Regenerative Potential and Challenges.

Abstract: Evidence suggests that stem cells exert regenerative potential via the release of extracellular vesicles. Mesenchymal stem cell extracellular vesicles (MSCEVs) offer therapeutic benefits for various pathophysiological ailments by restoring tissues. Facts suggest that MSCEV action can be potentiated by modifying the mesenchymal stem cells culturing methodology and bioengineering EVs. Limited clinical trials of MSCEVs have questioned their superiority, culturing quality, production scale-up and isolation, and administration format. Translation of preclinically successful MSCEVs into a clinical platform requires paying attention to several critical matters, such as the production technique, quantification/characterization, pharmacokinetics/targeting/transfer to the target site, and the safety profile. Keeping these issues as a priority, the present review was designed to highlight the challenges in translating preclinical MSCEV research into clinical platforms and provide evidence for the regenerative potential of MSCEVs in various conditions of the liver, kidney, heart, nervous system, bone, muscle, cartilage, and other organs/tissues.

Aqueous and Ethanolic Valeriana officinalis Extracts Change the Binding of Ligands to Glutamate Receptors.

Abstract: The effects of two valerian extracts (aqueous and hydroalcoholic) were investigated through [3H]Glutamate ([3H]Glu) and [3H]Fluorowillardine ([3H]FW) receptor binding assays using rat synaptic membranes in presence of different receptor ligands. In addition, the extract stability was monitored spectrophotometrically. Both extracts demonstrated interaction with ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs). However, the extracts displayed considerable differences in receptor selectivity. The hydroalcoholic extract selectively interacted with quisqualic acid (QA), group I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) ligand, while the aqueous extract did not alter the binding of QA. The stability of the extracts was examined during several weeks. Freshly prepared extract inhibited 38–60% of [3H]FW binding (AMPA). After 10 days, the aqueous extract inhibited 85% of [3H]FW binding while the hydroalcoholic extract markedly potentiated (200%) [3H]FW binding to AMPA receptors. Thus, our results showed that factors such as extraction solvent and extract stability determine the selectivity for glutamate receptor (GluR) interactions.

Physical Environment, Diet Quality, and Body Weight in a Group of 12-year-old Children from Four Public Schools in Puerto Rico

Abstract: Objective: Physical environment influences diet and has been proposed as a determinant of childhood obesity. This cross-sectional study explored physical environment and its associations with diet quality and weight status in a sample of 114 12-year-old children from 4 public schools in the metropolitan area of San Juan, PR. Methods: Physical environment was assessed by asking questions regarding the availability and accessibility of healthy and unhealthy foods and food outlets as well as of recreational and sports facilities and equipment. Food intake was determined using a 24-hour diet-recall questionnaire, with the gathered data being used to assess diet quality and calculate the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2010. The HEI includes 12 components that are used to determine the compliance of a given diet with federal guidelines. HEI-2010 total score ranges from 0 to100 and is divided into the following classifications: poor (≤50), needs improvement (51-80), and good (>80). Body mass index was computed using measured weight and height and categorized according to the CDC Growth Charts. Results: Thirty-six percent of the participating children were overweight or obese. Nearly 57% had poor diet quality. The lowest HEI-2010 component scores were found for total fruits, whole fruits, total vegetables, whole grains, seafood and plant proteins, and fatty acids. However, diet quality was not associated with weight status or physical environment factors. Compared to the other children in the study, overweight or obese children reported having a significantly (p<0.05) lower availability of unhealthy foods and the highest access to recreational and sports facilities at home but also lower utilization of recreational and sports facilities at school and reduced participation in the school breakfast program. Conclusion: This study showed that some home- and school-environment factors influenced body weight in the children in this sample. However, these same factors did not appear to affect diet quality.