Category: Education

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

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

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

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

The Impact of Microplastics on Public Health

This article was published on Arbona Health Hub Volume 2 Issue 1 (ISSN: 3065-5544). Environmental pollution, particularly ocean pollution, remains a relatively overlooked yet critically important global issue. Oceans are essential for the sustenance of human, animal, and plant life. However, they are increasingly threatened by a range of anthropogenic activities—including domestic, industrial, agricultural, and… Read More The Impact of Microplastics on Public Health

Jossette Medina-GermanLeave a comment

Awake, Aware, and Silent: The Medical Mystery of Locked-in Syndrome

Written by: Deyaneira M. Gonzalez Rodriguez This article was published on Arbona Health Hub Volume 2 Issue 1 (ISSN: 3065-5544). Imagine waking up and realizing you are unable to move, speak, or even gesture. You are completely paralyzed, yet fully conscious. Trapped inside your own body, you can hear everything around you, but no one… Read More Awake, Aware, and Silent: The Medical Mystery of Locked-in Syndrome

deyaneiragr1 Comment

The Unspoken Impact of Discrimination on Depression Symptoms among Young Adults

The impact of discrimination on mental health in Puerto Rico is significant, with high levels of perceived discrimination linked to increased depression symptoms among young adults. The study highlights the need for targeted public health strategies addressing this issue, advocating for open discussions to reduce stigma and improve overall well-being in affected communities.… Read More The Unspoken Impact of Discrimination on Depression Symptoms among Young Adults

Stephanie Cameron-Maldonado, BS, BALeave a comment

Oral Health: A Key to Overall Well-Being

Oral health significantly impacts overall well-being, influencing systemic conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. With billions affected by oral diseases, proper dental care, including effective brushing techniques and regular check-ups, is vital. Raising awareness about the link between oral and systemic health can improve health outcomes and prevent serious diseases.… Read More Oral Health: A Key to Overall Well-Being

Nicole Jensen VelezLeave a comment