Biomedical Publications ABOUT PR

A new species of black coral, Stauropathesmonopinnata sp. nov., represented by two specimens collected 738 m and 1604 m deep off Puerto Rico and Hawaii, respectively, is recognized in the family Schizopathidae. The new species is characterized by a monopodial, unbranched corallum; simple, suboppositely arranged pinnules in two anterolateral rows along the stem with nearly 90° distal angles, spaced 12-17 mm apart in a row, and with smooth and triangular spines 0.05-0.08 mm tall; and polyps 4-9 mm...

Expanded availability of estimates of ecosystem metabolism and gas exchange from the worlds streams and rivers is rapidly revising estimates of river contributions to global carbon budgets. Here, we present estimates of gross primary production, ecosystem respiration, and gas exchange from 27 streams and rivers across North America, including Puerto Rico, using data from the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). Further, we explore how aggregating and processing input data influences...

CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to all intervention components was low, but all participants received the main messages because the topics were repeated continuously. Future studies should reduce the frequency of lessons, include more text messages, and more sharing of videos/photos.

BACKGROUND: Amyloid plaque removal by monoclonal antibody therapies slows clinical progression in symptomatic Alzheimer's disease; however, the potential for delaying the onset of clinical symptoms in asymptomatic people is unknown. The Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network Trials Unit (DIAN-TU) is an ongoing platform trial assessing the safety and efficacy of multiple investigational products in participants with dominantly inherited Alzheimer's disease (DIAD). Based on findings of amyloid...

CONCLUSIONS: Despite relatively modest levels compared to the U.S. NHANES, certain PFAS were positively linked with oxidative stress or inflammation, highlighting the need for broader investigations to examine PFAS-related alteration of inflammatory processes during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to quantify prevalence, awareness, and control of hypertension in the Eastern Caribbean and identify sociodemographic correlates.

Climate extremes, such as hurricanes, combined with large-scale integration of environment-sensitive renewables, could exacerbate the risk of widespread power outages. We introduce a coupled climate-energy model for cascading power outages, which comprehensively captures the impacts of climate extremes on renewable generation, and transmission and distribution networks. The model is validated with the 2022 Puerto Rico catastrophic blackout during Hurricane Fiona - a unique system-wide blackout...

CONCLUSION: Our final findings show a reduction in stroke mortality trends in LAC countries between 1997 and 2020, due to creating public awareness about vascular risk factors by authorities and the implementation of effective health policies. By 2035, an overall increase in mortality is expected, mainly due to population change in each country.

Studies on microbial sulfur cycling in marine sediment have primarily centered on the cycling of inorganic sulfur. The microbial diversity underlying the cycling of organosulfur compounds is largely unexplored. In this study, we present the first quantification of dissolved organic sulfur (DOS) microbial assimilation in marine surface sediments using ^(13)C-DOS quantitative DNA stable isotope probing (qSIP). We sampled marine sediment from 493 m water depth on the Puerto Rico continental slope,...

CONCLUSIONS: The availability of the S. ensifolium chloroplast genome provides insights into its evolutionary history and conservation needs. Comparative genomics uncovered evolutionary differences in Solanum chloroplast genomes, including nucleotide diversity and structural variations. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the close relationship between S. ensifolium and other Leptostemonum species. These findings enhance our understanding of this critically endangered species' evolution, guiding...

CONCLUSION: This study highlights the extensive research on vitamin D and its complex links to cancer, emphasizing future prospects with a focus on precision medicine approaches, including targeted supplementation and genomic analyses, to better address individual variability in cancer prevention and treatment.

Psoriasis (PsO) is an immune-mediated, chronic inflammatory skin disease that significantly impairs quality of life. Its treatment landscape is rapidly evolving, providing better disease control. Here, we highlight updates in biologics, obtaining coverage for biologics under Medicare, the PsO-to-psoriatic arthritis (PsA) transition, and orally administered drugs, as presented at the 2024 Masterclass in Dermatology in Puerto Rico. We provide a concise overview of the evolving therapeutic...

CONCLUSION: Respiratory viruses in Puerto Rico demonstrate patterns of co-circulation that may reflect complex interactions, but these associations appear context-dependent. Findings highlight the need for continued surveillance to better understand virus-virus dynamics and their implications for public health interventions.

Influenza infection represents a serious challenge for virological surveillance and healthcare systems in all countries globally. Despite obvious success in control of influenza through vaccination and antiviral drug development, this infection remains poorly controlled due to antigenic drift and fast selection of drug-resistant viral variants. The design of novel drugs with alternative targets and mechanisms of action is, therefore, an important goal for medical science worldwide. In the...