Obesity in Puerto Rico: Metabolic Syndrome and its Implications for Surgical Care 

Introduction  The San Juan Metropolitan Area (SJMA) of Puerto Rico has a remarkably high prevalence of overweight and obesity (77.4%). This is substantially higher than the mainland U.S. adult population rate (68.8%). According to local data, women are more likely to have clinical obesity, while men are more likely to be overweight. This expanding public… Read More Obesity in Puerto Rico: Metabolic Syndrome and its Implications for Surgical Care 

Gabriela Alejandra Lopez, BScLeave a comment

Out Now! Arbona Health Hub Volume 2 Issue 2

We’re excited to announce the release of Arbona Health Hub Volume 2 Issue 2 (ISSN: 3065-5544)! This edition features a diverse array of articles written by passionate scientists, offering insights into important topics that shape today’s healthcare landscape. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, student, or enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in this carefully curated issue.… Read More Out Now! Arbona Health Hub Volume 2 Issue 2

Arbona Health HubLeave a comment

Navigating Resilience: Rethinking Puerto Rico’s Healthcare System in a Time of Transition

“When a system needs change, settling for the same methods out of tradition is no longer viable.”  -Dr. Jorge Martínez Trabal, Puntos Claves: La disrupción positiva al sistema de salud en Puerto Rico I was recently revisiting Puntos Claves, a book I had picked up some time ago, and the line quoted above struck me again with… Read More Navigating Resilience: Rethinking Puerto Rico’s Healthcare System in a Time of Transition

MiaSara Pérez SalváLeave a comment

Vitamin A Deficiency: Effects of Impaired Rhodopsin Regeneration on Photoreceptors

Summary Phototransduction is a light-stimulated process that heavily relies on continuous regeneration of 11-cis-retinal to keep rhodopsin function and adequate visual performance. Vitamin A is essential in this process, serving as a precursor of 11-cis-retinal. However, it is not naturally produced by the human body. A deficiency of this vitamin disrupts phototransduction and can lead to adverse… Read More Vitamin A Deficiency: Effects of Impaired Rhodopsin Regeneration on Photoreceptors

Tiffany Fuentes-González, BScLeave a comment

When Seconds Count: Puerto Rico’s Ongoing Emergency Healthcare Crisis

Puerto Rico’s emergency healthcare system suffers from critical deficiencies, including the absence of a fully accredited Level I trauma center, leaving over 3 million citizens vulnerable, particularly in rural areas. These systemic failures, exacerbated by colonial status, inadequate funding, and poor pediatric preparedness, necessitate urgent reforms to ensure equitable access and effective emergency response.… Read More When Seconds Count: Puerto Rico’s Ongoing Emergency Healthcare Crisis

Jan Paul Gómez-Acevedo, MSLeave a comment

Why do females generally enter puberty earlier than males?

Puberty is the developmental stage where sexual maturity and reproductive capacity are acquired, leading to the adult phenotype. The biological process of puberty involves a complex orchestration of hormonal signaling regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. In both sexes, this system is activated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus, which stimulates the release of  luteinizing… Read More Why do females generally enter puberty earlier than males?

Arelys A. Angueira-Laureano, BScLeave a comment

Xylitol: The Sugar That Fights Cavities?

Xylitol is a natural sweetener found in fruits and vegetables that helps prevent cavities by not feeding harmful bacteria like Streptococcus mutans. Studies indicate significant cavity reduction when consumed properly. Though beneficial, it complements, not replaces, oral hygiene practices. Caution is necessary as it is toxic to dogs.… Read More Xylitol: The Sugar That Fights Cavities?

Graciela Colón-Camuñas, BScLeave a comment

Antibiotic Resistance: A Growing Threat and the Search for New Solutions

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a significant threat to public health due to antibiotic overuse, causing millions of infections and thousands of deaths annually. Innovative treatments, including combination therapies and new agents like silver nanoparticles, may enhance effectiveness against resistant strains, thereby preserving antibiotic efficacy and improving patient outcomes in future healthcare.… Read More Antibiotic Resistance: A Growing Threat and the Search for New Solutions

Sebastian TorresLeave a comment

The War on Drugs: A Failed Strategy and the Path Forward

For decades, the so-called “War on Drugs” has been driven by punitive policies that not only fail to protect society but have also led to devastating public health consequences and entrenched racial and social inequalities. Drawing on insights from voices such as Dr. Carmen Albizu García and supported by a growing body in interdisciplinary research,… Read More The War on Drugs: A Failed Strategy and the Path Forward

Janlouis Rodríguez-Figueroa, MPHLeave a comment

Decoding IPEX Syndrome: From FOXP3 Mutation to Immunodysregulation

IPEX syndrome is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the FOXP3 gene, crucial for regulatory T cell function. Symptoms include enteropathy, endocrinopathy, and dermatitis, appearing early in life. Management involves immunosuppressive therapy, symptom management, and potential hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Research continues to explore treatment innovations and earlier diagnosis.… Read More Decoding IPEX Syndrome: From FOXP3 Mutation to Immunodysregulation

Victoria Blaiotta-Vazquez, MPHLeave a comment