Puerto Rico health sciences journal最新文献

Objective: Evaluate the relationship between diabetes and hypertension and COVID-19 booster uptake.

Methods: Members of the Community Outreach Group of the Puerto Rico Community Engagement Alliance Against COVID-19 Disparities (PR-CEAL) administered a survey at 229 community events between November 2021 and May 2023. Information on 2,145 participants' sociodemographic information and chronic disease diagnoses was gathered. Characteristics distributions were described using frequency and percentages. The associations between demographic factors and booster uptake were assessed using chi-squared analysis for categorical variables. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusting for age, sex, education, and medical insurance, to investigate the relationship between hypertension and diabetes and booster uptake.

Results: Participants' mean age was 43.8 years. Most (80%) were women and had received a COVID-19 booster (84%). A high prevalence of hypertension (43%) and diabetes (33%) was observed in this study sample. Bivariate analyses showed a statistically significant association between receiving the booster and having hypertension or diabetes (p<0.05). Adjusted multivariate analysis showed that participants with diabetes were 3% more likely to have the booster than those without diabetes (OR=1.03, 95% CI: (1.01-1.05), p<0.05). No significant association was found between hypertension and booster uptake in the adjusted multivariate analysis (OR=1.01, 95% CI: (0.99-1.03), p=0.13).

Conclusion: Insights from this study can inform future vaccination campaigns through improved awareness and prevention strategies by targeting vulnerable populations in Puerto Rico.

Objective: This meta-analysis explored genes in common between breast cancer (BC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) in women. Breast cancer and CRC are causes of significant morbidity and mortality in women worldwide. Research has shown that women are underrepresented in clinical trials, especially in oncology; studying sex differences in cancer addresses this lack.

Methods: Ten GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) dataset (5 BC and 5 CRC) were used to identify genes in common. Correlated networks were constructed and analyzed using BioOptimatics methodologies, including multiple criteria optimization and minimum spanning tree.

Results: Eighteen differentially expressed genes were identified, with such core genes as B3GNT3, CALU, CD46, DCN, DLX4, and others showing high frequencies. The study also identified 289 diseases related to core genes, further narrowed down to 37, including BC and CRC. Direct associations with BC and CRC were found for 5 genes, while 7 were linked to other cancer types.

Conclusion: The results of this study underscore the importance of sex differences in cancer biology and indicate that this methodology, BioOptimatics, can help in the discovery of new pathways and biomarkers for BC and CRC in women.

The abuse of psychoactive substances poses a critical public health challenge in Puerto Rico, with far-reaching implications for both individuals and society as a whole. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the patterns and trends associated with drug abuse in Puerto Rico, focusing on alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, benzodiazepines, opioids, and methadone. Recent statistics reveal a concerning increase in substance abuse, particularly among young adults. Long-standing problems with alcohol and tobacco continue to drive chronic health conditions, while the legalization of medical cannabis has influenced its usage patterns. The abuse of prescription medications, especially benzodiazepines and opioids, has intensified, contributing to an expanding opioid crisis on the island. This review critically examines the current scientific literature, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive, evidence-based strategies for prevention, intervention, and regulation. It also underlines the importance of continued research efforts and the development of tailored approaches to effectively address drug abuse in Puerto Rico. By shedding light on these complex challenges, the article provides valuable insights that can inform future initiatives aimed at curbing substance abuse and promoting the well-being of Puerto Rico's population.

Objective: In this study, the localization of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL) -6 in the umbilical cord tissue of pregnant women with preeclampsia who smoke and in those who do not smoke was investigated using immunohistochemical methods.

Methods: The sample groups consisted of a control group, cigarette smokers, preeclampsia, and cigarette smokers with preeclampsia. Histological and immunohistochemical methods were applied to the tissue samples.

Results: It was determined that there were varying degrees of edemato s change in the layers of arteries and veins in the preeclampsia and the cigarette smokers with preeclampsia groups, with a statistically significant level of difference in thickness compared to the other groups. In addition, different levels of TNF α and IL-6 immunoreactivity were detected in the umbilical cord tissue across all the groups. In the preeclampsia group, TNF-α immunoreactivity was found to increase in the arterial muscle layer. Moreover, IL-6 immunoreactivity was found to decrease in the arterial endothelium and muscle layers in the cigarette smokers, preeclampsia, and cigarette smokers with preeclampsia groups and increase in the venous endothelium and muscle layers. In addition, immunoreactivity increased in the amniotic epithelium in the cigarette smokers with preeclampsia group.

Discussion: In conclusion, the differences in cytokine levels between the cigarette smokers, preeclampsia, and cigarette smokers with preeclampsia groups were thought to be caused by responses of the maternal immune system and histopathological changes in the umbilical cord tissue.

This is the case of a 22-year-old female who arrived at our institution after experiencing refractory insomnia, disorganized behavior, inappropriate laughter, and anorexia. Upon admission, a physical examination revealed mutism, irritability, and visual hallucinations. Infectious, metabolic, and other, alternative, causes for the presenting symptoms were excluded. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and chest and abdominopelvic computed tomography scan results showed no evidence of pathology. Due to there being a high clinical suspicion of paraneoplastic encephalitis, treatment was initiated with intravenous (IV) high-dose steroids and IV immunoglobulins. An endovaginal ultrasound was performed, which revealed a small atypical intraovarian dermoid cyst. The patient's laboratory tests were positive for anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate antibodies within her cerebrospinal fluid. A laparoscopic right partial salpingectomy and an oophorectomy were performed on day 25, after the symptoms developed further. Histopathology confirmed the presence of a mature teratoma within the right ovary. After surgery, she returned to her baseline mental status, with no further complications.

Objective: The epidemiology of meningiomas for patients with Hispanic ethnicity is mainly unknown beyond a few studies. Evidence supporting the ethnic influence over meningioma World Health Organization (WHO) grade is limited. This study aimed to investigate a Hispanic population in Puerto Rico with intracranial meningiomas regarding the WHO grade.

Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed 173 Hispanic patients who underwent pathology-proven intracranial meningioma resection by a single surgeon at a tertiary care facility during 25 years. Descriptive statistics were used to investigate clinical and histopathological differences among the patients.

Results: The cohort had 71.1% female patients, with a female-to-male ratio of 2.6:1. The median age of the patients was 53 years, ranging between 19 and 87 years. Analysis showed that 159 patients had a WHO grade 1 meningioma (91.9%), 13 patients had a WHO grade 2 meningioma (7.5%), and one patient had a WHO grade 3 meningioma (0.6%). Recurrence occurred in ten patients (5.8%).

Conclusion: This study reveals a higher percentage of Hispanic patients with WHO grade 1 meningiomas in Puerto Rico than for Hispanic patients living in the United States.

Objective: Röntgen's discovery made international news in January 1896, but the appearance of x-rays in Puerto Rico has been dated to 1911. This investigation was undertaken to identify the time, place, participants, and equipment of the first public demonstration of x-rays in Puerto Rico, document other users before 1911, and frame the events and persons in their social, professional, and international contexts.

Methods: Information was retrieved from digitized Puerto Rico newspapers available online and secondary printed and digital sources.

Discussion: The first demonstration of x rays in Puerto Rico was organized by physician José Esteban Saldaña in June 1897 and included Francisco Pelati (who documented the event), an electrician; José C. Barbosa, Francisco and Pedro Del Valle, and Juan and Ricardo Hernández, physicians; and José A. Canals, an engineer. Other users prior to 1911 are documented.

Conclusions: Internationally, the first reaction to the discovery of x-rays was a mixture of wonder, experimentation, fascination with a scientific novelty carrying other-worldly resonance, and recognition of potential dangers. Puerto Rico was not an exception. The news arrived in seven weeks, although the equipment (apparently from New York) arrived a year and a half later (June 1897). The readily apparent common denominator for this group of first users is political affiliation, but they were connected by a variety of experiences, despite differences in race, class, and religious ideas. As in other places, x-ray use increased slowly and was available in several cities in Puerto Rico by 1911.

Objective: Currently, in Puerto Rico (PR) there is no study for HPV vaccination rates after implementing mandatory HPV vaccination school entry policy in 2018. This study aims to (a) explore HPV vaccination status in adults (≥18 years) residing in PR., particularly those who fall within the age range approved for vaccination; (b) describe participants' gender and sexual identities and behavior risk factors; and (c) determine how the willingness to vaccinate against HPV is influenced by sociodemographic factors such as age, gender, education level, and health insurance.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to understand HPV vaccination status, sexual health and behavior risk factors, and sociodemographic factors in adults residing in PR. Surveys were distributed using various strategies over six months to collect data. Informed consent was obtained, and participants were assured anonymity and data utilization. We performed descriptive and logistic regression analyses using STATA.

Results: From a sample of 314 individuals, 47% were vaccinated, and 82% were familiar with the HPV vaccine. Among the unvaccinated, 49% were open to vaccination. Age and gender significantly predicted vaccination status, with older individuals 65% less likely and females 60% more likely to be vaccinated than males and other genders.

Conclusion: This study identifies age, gender identity, education, and health insurance as pivotal determinants of HPV vaccination status in PR. It also found interest in vaccine information among non-vaccinated people, revealing significant coverage disparities crucial for enhancing vaccination rates and sexual health education.

Objective: We aimed to describe the head circumference (HC) growth trends for non-microcephalic infants exposed to the Zika virus (ZIKV) in utero.

Methods: This was a medical record review of non-microcephalic neonates exposed to ZIKV whose mothers received prenatal care at the fetal evaluation unit (2015-2017). The mean HC values of babies from prenatal age to 1 year old were compared with the standardized values on HC growth charts.

Results: Sixty-three mother-infant pairs were included, and 56 infants (boys, 30%; girls, 70%) were evaluated. The mothers tested positive for ZIKV; their babies had a mean gestational age of 38 weeks (32-42) and a mean birth weight of 3,150 grams (1,190-4,220). The mean HC growth of the fetuses (19-34 weeks gestational age) placed them in the 25th percentile, increasing to the 50th percentile (according to the World Health Organization [WHO]). Compared with other growth charts (INTERGROWTH- 21st [International Fetal and Newborn Growth Consortium for the 21st Century] and Puerto Rico reference values), the mean HC grew in the 50th percentile at 18 to 30 weeks of gestational age, indicating normal growth in children from Zika-positive women. According to the WHO chart, the postnatal HCs of both the girls and boys reached the 75th and 50th percentiles, respectively.

Conclusion: Postnatal HC growth was normal. Results from this study suggest that infants exposed to ZIKV in utero can be normocephalic at birth. Therefore, the neurodevelopmental outcomes of such infants should be followed throughout childhood and adolescence, regardless of their HCs at birth.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and evolution of patients with acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) over a period of 18 years in the city of Toluca, Mexico.

Methods: This was a descriptive and retrospective study of eighteen years. All women with AFLP confirmed by biopsy were included and the incidence, laboratory test values and complications were registered.

Results: AFLP incidence was of 1 case for every 8,451 deliveries. The main complications were bleeding, infections and neurological compromise. The mortality was of 33.33%.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that AFLP has a slightly lower incidence in Mexico than that reported in other countries but with a higher survival. This condition deserves a multidisciplinary team to improve the survival rate.