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Clinical Sciences Investigators

  1. Aguiló, Francisco Jr., M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.E. et al. (Professor)
    Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
    e-mail:aguilo@coqui.net

    Our Division is engaged in several research lines, such as: Studies on Bone Densitometry - Using both Single-Photon (SPA) and Dual Energy X-Ray absorptiometry (DEXA), Studies on Diabetes Mellitus, Familial Dysalbuminemic Hyperthyroxinemia (FDH)Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type I (MEN-I) and type II (MEN-II), and Rhesus monkey colonies and skeletal collection of the Puerto Rican Caribbean Primate Research Center.

  2. Benabe, Julio, M.D.
    Director, RCMI Clinical Research Infrastructure Initiative
    e-mail:jbenabe@rcm.upr.edu

    The primary areas my research interest are the roles that the renin-angiotension system play in physiological functions of the kidney and pathophysiological models of renal dysfunction. The two prinicpal conditions to be examined include hypertension and renal function in hypolkalemia. The expresion of the gene regulating the angiotensin II (AT1) receptor in models of hypertension, low protein intake and chronic hypokalemia is examined using Northern blot analysis and receptor kinetics. The role that RAS may have in modulating the activity of sodium transport through the Na+/H+ exchanger in the kidney using the above models are examined. Clinical studies of renal function in patients with AIDS have also been undertaken to determine the incidence of AIDS - nephropathy amongst hispanics. Finally, a protocol to assess the role of sodium and a digoxin-like natriuretic factor in hispanic patients with hypertension is now under development.

  3. Bonilla, Melvin Félix, M.D. (Assistant Professor)
    e-mail:mabonill@coqui.net

    My research interest is in the development of tubular function. It is known that collecting ducts derived from newborn mammals have a blunted response to arginine vasopressin (AVP). For the last seven years my laboratory has been elucidating the mechanisms involved in this defective response. My laboratory has demonstrated that the defect has two components. First, there is a decreased AVP-stimulated cAMP generation, which is mediated by prostaglandins. There is also a post-cAMP defect, most likely mediated by decreased expression of aquaporin-2 water channels. In addition, the role of urea channels (UTA-1, UTA-2, and UTB) is currently under investigation. The laboratory uses kidney tissue derived from newborn rats and rabbits. Using techniques such as microdissection, in-vitro microperfusion, RT-PCR from isolated nephron segments, and immunoblots they study the expressio of proteins and genes involved in urine osmoregulation during early postnatal life. The ultimate goal of the project is to investigate the alterations of the normal developmental processes induced by obstruction of the urinary tract and protein malnutrition.

  4. Carlo, José R., M.D. (Associate Professor)
    Associate Director, RCMI Clinical Research Infrastructure Initiative
    Department of Medicine, Section of Neurology - Neuromuscular Diseases
    emails:jcarlo@caribe.netand jcarlo@rcm.upr.edu

    My main interests are the clinical and pathological manifestations of diseases affecting nerve and muscle. Our current projects include the identification of protein abnormalities in the muscle membrances of patients with muscular distrophy. These proteins, which are stained with immunocytological methods, are correlated to the patient's genetic molecular abnormalities. Other areas of interest include the clinical manifestations of motor neuron disorders and autoimmune neuropathies.

  5. Conde Santiago, José G., M.D., M.P.H. (Assistant Professor)
    Department Health Services Administration (Epidemiologist)
    e-mail: jconde@rcm.upr.edu

    I am currently interested in developing, testing and implementing collaborative research tools over high-speed networks. Currently, I coordinate the Center for Information Architecture in Research, funded by an RCMI grant (G12RR0351) from NCRR, NIH. Our staff is actively collaborating with faculty in other institutions in testing and deploying solutions based on technologies including H.323, VideoLan, DVTS and Conference XP. Another area of interest is the development, testing and deployment of federal research resources and remote instrumentation. These and other technologies will become key elements for the creation of multidisciplinary research teams, and will facilitate collaborative efforts to address complex research questions.

  6. De Andino, Richard M., M.D. (Professor)
    Department of Family Medicine (Family Medicine/Geriatrics)
    e-mail:760433.405@compuserve.net

    Dr. De Andino's research interest is the area of geriatrics, especially as related to health policy, health care delivery and health care financing. He has done research on the prevalence of functional and mental impairment in Puerto Rico. Dr. De Andino is also interested in research related to dengue, diabetes and primary care in general.

  7. Díaz Pérez, Clemente, M.D. (Professor) Chair, Department of Pediatrics
    Principal Investigator: The Women and Infants Transmission Study
    Principal Investigator: University of Puerto Rico Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Unit (UPR-PACTU)
    e-mail:cdiaz@rcm.upr.edu

    My research interest centers around long standing involvement in the care of HIV infected children and adolescents. AIDS clinical trials for new anti-retroviral agents, for combination of licensed and new agents and for inclusion of inmunomodulators in combination therapy are the central research activity in our unit. Additionally, we are focusing on projects that improve our ability to measure, reliably, quality of life and functional status changes in infected persons, as well as pilot studies and phase I/II intervention studies, aimed to increase our understanding and efficacy in treating HIV related encephalopathy, HIV associated wasting, serious recurrent bacterial infections and malnutrition in our patients.

    Community outreach programs designed to disseminate effective practices to decrease mother to infant transmission of HIV and access to care are underway. Currently, health services research projects are assessing the best strategies in educating health care professionals and community leaders as well as monitoring implementation of current standards of care.

  8. González Méndez, Ricardo, Ph.D. (Associate Professor) Director, Physics Division
    Department of Radiological Sciences
    e-mail:rgonzalez@rcm.upr.edu

    I have a Ph.D. in biophysics. My research interests are in the areas of environmental radiation, particularly in low-level radiation and in electromagnetic fields. I also do research on quantitative uncertainty analysis of the structure of macromolecules both by structure prediction and NMR. I have interests in science and policy research, and in magnetic resonance imaging.

  9. Haddock, Lillian, M.D., F.A.C.P. (Professor) Department of Medicine, Endocrinology Section
    e-mail:lilliamhaddock@worldnet.att.net

    I am conducting the following clinical research studies:

  1. Familial Osteoporosis: study of a family in Puerto Rico;
  2. a comparison of the treatment of menopausal osteoporosis with alendronate or estrogen, alone and combined.
  1. Hallman, Deana, M.D. (Assistant Professor) Department of Medicine,Hematology and Medical Oncology Section
    e-mail:hemaoncorcm@hotmal.com

    The Cytogenetics Laboratory is dedicated to the study of chromosomal (or karyotypic) alterations in patients with a diagnosis of leukemia and other neoplastic disorders. The particular interests are:
  1. To identify recurring chromosomal abnormalities which may have biological and clinical significance for this population of patients;
  2. To assess the patterns of chromosomal abnormalities of the Puerto Rican population studied, as compared to other geographical regions, and other ethnic groups, in order to evaluate the possibility of biological and/or population differences;
  3. To develop a cell bank of viable cells and cell pellets which will be a valuable source of leukemic cells for future investigations. Stored specimens will be made available to collaborating investigators who have an interest in molecular studies of fresh leukemic cells from patients who have been studied cytogenetically.
  1. Inserni, Jaime, M.D. (Assistant Professor)
    Department of Surgery, Section of Neurological Surgery
    e-mail: N/A

    Research interest:

  1. The role of steroids in intracranial lesions and head trauma.
  2. At present studying the pharmacokinetics of dexamethasone in patients harboring brain tumors.
  3. Epilepsy - intractable.
    At present involved in a multicenter cooperative study of endorphin and serotonin receptors in the hippocampi of intractable epilepsy patients.

    I am also interested in the role of hypothermia in the management of brain and spinal cord injured patients, together with adjuvant therapy of nerve growth factor.

  1. Laguna Figueroa, Reinaldo, M.D. (Assistant Professor) Department of Radiological Sciences, Nuclear Medicine Division
    e-mail: N/A

    Dr. Laguna is a board certified nuclear physician with subspecialty training in pediatric nuclear medicine. His research interests are clinical nuclear medicine with emphasis on renal function, and renal infectious processes. He also does research in pediatric oncology.

  2. Luciano, Carlos, A., M.D. (Assistant Professor) Executive Director, RCMI Clinical Research Infrastructure Initiative
    e-mail: cluciano@rcm.upr.edu

    Our principal research interests are in the study of neuromuscular diseases and clinical trials in adult and pediatric populations. Our work is currently in the area of medication-induced polyneuropathies and immunology of HIV-associated sensory polyneuropathy. Our investigations make use of a battery of neurophysiologic techniques that are performed in human subjects, such as nerve conduction and excitability studies, quantitative sensory testing and sudomotor testing, to quantitatively assess peripheral nerve function. In addition, we are using a variety of immunoassays to study the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress markers, from serum and plasma. We also have using immunohistochemistry of epidermal nerve fibers from skin biopsies for the assessment of neuropathy and, in collaboration with colleagues at the RCM, we are studying mechanisms of toxicity of antiretroviral nucleoside analogues.

  3. Mora Piñero, Edna M., MD, MS (Assistant Professor) Director, Cancer Biology Laboratory
    e-mail:emmora@rcm.upr.edu

    Our laboratory is interested in the mechanisms by which breast cancer cells produced bone metastases. To address this problem, we developed three main areas of research: 1) role of growth factors in the selective growth of bone-metastatic cells, 2) role of extracellular matrix proteins in the selective growth of the bone-metastatic cells, and 3) the role of apoptosis in the development of bone metastases. Our research effforts in the first area are based on previous findings in our laboratory which suggest that soluble factors in the human bone marrow support the growth of bone-metastatic cells. We found that only IL-3 receptor in bone-metastatic effect. Studies on the expression of the IL-3 receptor in bone-metastatic breast carcinoma cell lines showed that the receptor is overexpressed in these cells. Our current efforts are focused on the correlation between the expression of IL-receptors in human primary breast tumors and the development of bone metastases in an animal model. Our second aim is to identify extracellular matrix proteins in the bone marrow that increase the growth of bone-metastatic cells. Preliminary data showed that bone sialoprotein increased in growth of these cells. Our third aim focus in the analysis of the expression of the bcl-2 protein in the growth of the cells. Collaborative efforts will study the use of anti sense technology to prevent or treat metastatic bone disease.

  4. Orduña Acúm, Elba, M.D. (Assistant Professor) Coordinator for Research, Nuclear Medicine Division
    Department of Radiological Sciences
    e-mail:orduna@prtc.net

    Dra. Orduña is a board certified nuclear physician. Her main research interest is in neuroimaging in nuclear medicine. Her current research is in the areas of Pediatric and Adult HIV CNS involvement and Neuropsychiatric lupus.

  5. Ortiz, Idith R., M.D., M.P.H. (Associate Professor)
    Department of Pediatrics
    e-mail:idortiz@rcm.upr.edu

    As a Pediatrician and Epidemiologist my research interests are about children and Public Health. Current research work is related to children with bleeding disorders and their complications. My experience includes assessment of longitudinal data on morbidity, genetics of bleeding disorders and participation in clinical trials for medications and blood products technology. I also participate as PI in CDC-sponsored epidemiological studies on HIV morbidity.

  6. Ramos Cortés, Eduardo, M.D. (Associate Professor)
    Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Sports Medicine
    e-mail:Ramos.edwardo@usa.net

    1. Physical fitness profile in disable children and the efects of physical training.
    2. Genotypic and phenotypic expression in neuromuscular disease.
  7. Reyes Báez, Gloria, M.D. (Professor)
    Department of Pediatrics
    Neonatology Section
    e-mail: greyes@rcm.upr.edu

    One of my research projects deals with glucose production rates (GPR) in newborn infants using stable isotopes. We are investigating the utility of GPR in predicting brain damage. Our hypothesis is based on the evidence that 75-85% of the liver's glucose output is used by the brain. We do isotope infusion studies on infants admitted to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to determine GPR and follow the infant's neurologic outcome.

    I am also using stable isotopes to see how GPR is affected by disease in premature newborn infants admitted to the NICU. Studies are done at different ages in very low birth weight infants.

    I am also studying the effect of prenatal thyroxine on neurodevelopment. Follow up is being done by a multidisciplinary group of professionals, which includes a psychologist, an audiologist, a speech pathologist and an occupational therapist, of children over three years who were exposed to prenatal thyroxine for pulmonary maturation.

  8. Rodríguez, Rebecca, M.D. (Assistant Professor)
    Department of Family Medicine (Family Practice)
    e-mail:rebrodri@caribe.net

    Dr. Rodríguez is interested in screening and management of cancer of the cervix. She is currently working in a project that will study the colposcopic findings in cases classified as ASCUS and low-SIL in Papanicolau tests.

  9. Romaguera, Josefina, M.D., M.P.H. (Associate Professor) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
    e-mail:jromaguera@rcm.upr.edu

    Obstetrician and Gynecologists with a Master Degree in Public Health. Research interest in Acceleration of Fetal Maturation with Intra-amniotic Thyroxine and other areas includes research in Menopausal Women and Family Planning. Promote research with medical students, residents and undergraduate students.

  10. Sánchez, Jorge L., M.D. (Professor) Director, Department of Dermatology
    e-mail:jo_sanchez@upr1.upr.clu.edu

    My areas of interest in clinical dermatologic research include tropical diseases of the skin, hyperpigmented lesions, and cutaneous lymphoma. These projects range from histopathologic and clinical descriptions to epidemiologic studies. At present, my research activities include mycosis fungoides and melanocytic proliferations in sun-damaged skin.

  11. Santaella Arguinzoni, María de L., M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.A.A.A.I. (Professor)
    Clinical Immunology Program
    Department of Medicine
    e-mail:msantaella@rcm.upr.edu

    Clinical immunologist trained at NIH, in charge of the Clinical Immunology service at the University Hospital.
    The main areas of interest are basic and clinical immunology aspects related to the following entities:
  1. primary immune deficiency diseases (incllaboration with the Immune Deficiency Foundation)
  2. hereditary angioedema
  3. chronic fatigue syndrome
  4. immunological manifestations of medical conditions in general
  1. Santiago Borrero, Pedro J., M.D. (Professor) Director Pediatric Hema-Onco Section
    e-mail:pjsantiago@centennialpr.net

    My main research interest now is the study of clinical manifestations of several bleeding and thrombotic disorders of genetic origin that are fairly common in Puerto Rican children, in order to provide early diagnosis, comprehensive care and appropriate counseling. A strong collaboration has been established with the Department of Biochemistry of the UPR School of Medicine, which has allowed us to apply modern molecular genetics techniques in the study of affected individuals. Specific work in this research effort includes:
  1. Studies on Hermansky Pudlak Syndrome (HPS)
  1. Molecular Screening for HPS Gene Mutations Among Puerto Ricans with Albinism: The objectives are (a) to determine the relative frequencies of the HPS1 gene-16bp duplication and the HPS3 gene 3,904-bp deletion among Puerto Rican patients with OCA; and (b) to determine the frequency of these mutations among Puerto Rican newborns. This project has resulted in several presentations and a paper submitted and preliminarily approved for publication in the American Journal of Medical Genetics in which the main investigator is Dr. Carmen Cadilla. A related article emphasizing clinical aspects of HPS in children is in preparation, where the main investigator is Dr. Pedro J. Santiago.
  2. Molecular Screening for HPS in Puerto Rican Newborns: This is a study with the following objectives: (a) to determine the feasibility of testing for HPS gene mutations in dried blood samples collected on filter paper cards used for newborn screening; and (b) to determine the frequency of the most common (HPS-1 and HPS-3) gene mutations among Puerto Rican newborns, and their geographical distribution in the island of P.R. Data from the HPS study have been included in the paper mentioned above.
  3. Clinical and laboratory manifestations in Puerto Rican children with Hermansky Pudlak Syndrome: The objectives of this study are: (a) to establish clinical criteria for the diagnosis of HPS in Children; and (b) to demonstrate the importance of genetic testing to confirm the diagnosis of HPS in Puerto Rican Children, in order to provide early comprehensive health care and genetic counseling to these patients and their parents. The results of this study have been presented in several abstracts.
  1. Studies on thromboembolic Disorders (TED):
    Responding to a significant increase in the diagnosis of TED in children in Puerto Rico during the last 6 years, a research project has been designed, with the collaboration of the Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, directed by Dr. Carmen Cadilla. Several hematology-oncology and neonatology subspecialty residents are participating in this study.
  1. Study on the natural history and complications in children with hemophilia and VonWillebrand disease:
    This is part of a nationwide study conducted by CDC, HHS, with the collaboration of all Hemophilia Treatment Centers in USA, partially supported by that agency. The objective is to collect data on clinical characteristics, joints function and complications and of pediatric patients with hemophilia and related disorders, in order improve the state of health and assess the results of therapy used in this population.
  1. Silva de Roldán, Frieda, M.D. (Professor) Chairperson, Department of Radiological Sciences
    e-mail:fsilva@rcm.upr.edu

    Dr. Silva is a board certified nuclear physician whose research interests are in nuclear medicine. Current research projects include areas such as nuclear cardiology, functional neuroimaging with emphasis in children with attention deficit disorders, nuclear endocrinology with emphasis in thyroid cancer therapy, and breast scintigraphy

  2. Torres, Esther, A., M.D., F.A.C.P. (Professor) Chair, Department of Internal Medicine
    Program Director of Gastroenterology
    e-mail:eatorres@rcm.upr.edu

    The Gastroenterology Research Unit is involved in the following areas of investigation:

  1. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (Crohn's and ulcerative colitis) determination of HLA and ANCA, development of a national registry of IBD in Puerto Rico (demographics, medical information).
  2. Treatment of hepatitis C - Evaluation of patients with chronic hepatitis C, including risk factors, disease manifestations, serologic markers, virologic studies, histology of the liver, and randomization to different treatment schemes with evaluation of response.
  3. Liver transplantation and chronic liver disease.
  1. Valcárcel, Marta, M.D. (Professor)
    Department of Pediatrics
    e-mail:mvalcarcel@rcm.upr.edu

    My research is related to issues in Neonatal care, at present I am studying early neonatal fungus infecction and risk of factors. Also I participate in the study of intraamniotic thyroxime and its effects on the fetus, and in a study of Streptoccal Infections in the Neonate.

    Studies about psychosocial factors on very low weight neonates and impact in their outcome are also being started.

  2. Vélez-García, Enrique, M.D. (Professor)
    Department of Medicine
    Chief Hematology/Medical Oncology Section
    e-mail:hemaoncorcm@hotmail.com

    Dr. Vélez-García has been associated with the UPR. School of Medicine since 1967. He has an extensive research experience in the area of Medical Oncology participating in several large multicentric Oncology Clinical Trails from 1972-86. Dr. Vélez-García is a member of the ACTG Oncology Committee and at the present time, he is the principal investigator for the Cancer and Leukemia Group B in Puerto Rico. The adult Hemophilia Program, under the auspices of the Hematology-Medical Oncology Section, has attracted patients from all over the island. Evaluation of this population reveals an HIV+ and HCV+ incidence of 50 and 30% respectively. Dr. Vélez-García is mostly interested in developing and participating in ACTG oncology related trials. In addition, Dr. Vélez-García and the ACTU has developed a program to offer clinical protocols to the adult hemophilic patients.
  3. Wojna, Valerie, M.D. (Professor)
    Department of Medicine
    e-mail:vwojna@csi.com

    The long range goal of my investigation is to develop methods for the early diagnosis, prevention and treatment of HIV dementia in the Puerto Rican female population. Our current objective is to determine the role of drug abuse and neuroendocrine abnormalities in women with HIV dementia. Our central hypothesis is that gonadal hormone dysregulation and drug abuse contribute to the development of HIV dementia in women.

  4. Zorrilla, Carmen D., M.D. (Associate Professor) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
    e-mail:czorrilla@rcm.upr.edu

    Dr. Carmen D. Zorrilla established the Maternal-Infant Studies Center (CEMI-Spanish Acronym) which is a longitudinal clinic for women living with HIV. Currently funded by the RCMI, it was the first clinic for women with HIV on the Island. The Center is multidisciplinary and carries out clinical and behavioral research in women living with HIV. Current projects deal with the manifestations of HIV disease in women, new drug trials, perinatal intervention studies and a behavioral intervention pilot study of empowerment.

    She has participated in diverse clinical and behavioral research projects for women living with HIV and has many publications. She is currently the Co-PI for the PR site of the Women and Infants Transmission Study (WITS), PI for the Longitudinal Women’s HIV Clinic, (sponsored by the Research Centers for Minority Institutions – RCMI), for the PACTG protocol 386, and for several other clinical trials as well. She is also the PI for the Empowerment intervention study for women with HIV as well as for women with breast cancer. Currently she is involved in the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) as the PI for the PR site and for the PR Comprehensive Center for the Study of HIV Disparities (PR-CCHD).

    Additional research interests and studies deal with Women's Health issues such as menopause, hormone replacement therapy, long term effects of hysterectomy and depression.

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Contact:
Emma Fernández-Repollet,Ph.D.
Program Director
RCMI Program
Room 621-A, 6th. floor
Main Building, Medical Sciences Campus
GPO Box 365067
San Juan, PR 00936-5067
Email: efernandez@rcm.upr.edu

Telephones:
Voice (787) 763-9401
FAX (787) 758-5206
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