Digital Commons Network^™

Prevalence And Economic Impact Of Osteoarthritis And Rheumatoid Arthritis In The Medically Underserved Rio Grande Valley, John M. Gaddis, Elias Arellano, Ryan Bialaszewski, Dominic Chau-Zanetti, Tyler Torres, Joel Wells

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (OA/RA), two of the most common forms of arthritis worldwide, are chronic diseases affecting joints. The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is characterized by an abundance of health disparities with previous studies showing increased rates of multiple diseases and disorders in this region. The purpose of this study was to determine both the prevalence and the risk-adjusted average total cost of OA/RA in the RGV and compare with the national average.

Methods: This retrospective, observational study utilized publicly accessible Medicare beneficiary data from 2012 to 2022. Data on OA/RA prevalence, risk-adjusted average total cost, and stratified …

Phytocannabinoids In Combination: Chronic Pain, Emmanuel Franco, Jose Rios, Laura Valdez, Andrew Tsin, Khalid Benamar

Research Colloquium

Background: Chronic pain, one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care, has been linked to restrictions in mobility and daily activities, dependence on opioids, anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, and an overall reduced quality of life. Unfortunately, the current treatment options for chronic pain are limited, often ineffective, and have associated side effects. Better outcomes can be achieved by developing new and improved therapeutics or more immediately by identifying favorable drugs that are already available or emerging as potential new analgesics. There is a growing interest in the use of opioid-sparing analgesics, in particular medicinal cannabis, for pain management. …

Environmental Impact Of Water And Air Contaminants On Public Health, Astrid-Ines Foamkom, Luis A. Peña Marquez, Maria Sophia Malbas, Esmeralda Rodriguez, Noe Garza, Ney Alliey-Rodriguez

Research Colloquium

Background: Established literature suggests a strong relationship between exposure to air contaminants and physical health. Similarly, numerous studies have demonstrated the effects of water pollution on public health. Texas denizens are often victims of poor air and water quality, yet there are scant studies that have integrated evidence of health tolls caused by air and water pollution across the state. In this study, we assessed the relationship between particulate matter

Methods: The study used data from the 2018 Medicare and Medicaid report which displayed chronic health conditions across all counties in Texas. Additionally, the study also includes collected data on …

Unveiling The Neurological Aftermath: Pres After Cardiac Arrest, Oyinlola O. Fasehun, Jessica Daza, Sriharsha Koneru, Victor Tran, Eunbee Cho, Fatimah Bello

Research Colloquium

Background: Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES), also known as ‘Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS)’, is a clinical radiographic syndrome originally described by Hinchey et al in 1996. PRES has been significantly underdiagnosed due to difficulty in confirmation. As such, there is currently no epidemiological data regarding its incidence, but it has been diagnosed in all age groups with a preponderance in females. A variety of medical conditions have been implicated as causes of PRES, including severe hypertension, immunosuppressive therapy, sepsis, renal diseases and autoimmune disorders. The mechanism of PRES is thought to be related to disordered cerebral autoregulation and endothelial …

Cognitive Impairment And Hearing Loss In The Rio Grande Valley: A Retrospective Study Of Alzheimer's, Dementia, And Mild Cognitive Impairment, Victoria Elizondo, Antoinette Burrell, Chantal Uzoma, Desiree Brewer, Naya Williams, Erica Burrell-Walker, Kelsey Baker

Research Colloquium

Background: Millions of US adults experience underrecognized hearing loss, despite effective treatments. Interestingly, hearing loss has been suggested to be further exacerbated in populations of Alzheimer’s Disease. It is hypothesized that structural and functional features of auditory brain organization, which make it vulnerable to neurodegeneration, may heighten susceptibility to hearing loss, although it is unclear how ethnicity impacts its epidemiology. Here, we sought to address this gap by exploring the association between self-reported hearing loss and cognitive decline in Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients across the Rio Grande Valley (RGV).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the UTHealth RGV electronic …

Pseudogout: A Rare Cause Of Pseudoseptic Arthritis - A Case Report, Yareli Durazo, Corey Haines, Elimar Gonzalez, Brandon Cantazaro, Michael Sander

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Pseudoseptic arthritis is the umbrella term designated to various mimics when they present with clinical stigmata indicative of septic arthritis. The underlying causes of these mimics can vary, depending on whether they are associated with autoimmune inflammatory arthritis or crystalline-associated inflammatory arthritis such as gout and calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD). In clinical practice, pseudoseptic arthritis can be difficult to differentiate from infectious arthritis, leading to frequent misdiagnosis. However, key differences will exist in the joint aspirate. With septic arthritis, the synovial fluid cultures are positive. However, with pseudoseptic arthritis, the synovial fluid may appear purulent but is sterile. …

Prognostic Utility Of The Lactate/Pyruvate Ratio For Mortality In Patients With Sepsis: An Observational Study, Edgar G. Dorsey-Trevino, Olga G. Cantu-Rodriguez, Jose A. Hawing-Zarate, Grecia A. Gonzalez-Cantu, David Gomez-Almaguer, Cesar H. Gutierrez-Aguirre

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Measurement of serum lactate remains pivotal in sepsis evaluation as it is closely related to tissue hypoxia and mortality.^{1, 2} Serum lactate, however, can be elevated due to a myriad of reasons beyond hypoperfusion.³ A proposed alternative to control for serum lactate’s inherent variability is to measure pyruvate concomitantly to calculate the lactate/pyruvate (L/P) ratio.^{4, 5} As pyruvate transforms into lactate in anaerobic conditions, its value decreases in serum, increasing the L/P ratio, hence indicating an actual tissue-perfusion mismatch.⁶ Despite its clinical utility, there is a paucity of evidence evaluating the role of the L/P …

Pernicious Anemia Presenting With Pancytopenia And Hemolysis: A Case Report From South Texas, Yareli Durazo, Victor Tran, Sriharsha Koneru, Andres Suarez Parraga

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Pancytopenia is a commonly encountered hematologic entity with varying clinical presentations. It results from various disease processes ranging from simple to life-threatening. The most common cause of pancytopenia is megaloblastic anemia, and the most common causes of megaloblastic anemia are deficiencies of vitamin B9 or B12. Thus, folate and B12 deficiency should be high in the differential diagnosis when patients present with pancytopenia. Hemolytic anemia, anemia due to the shortened survival of circulating erythrocytes, often represents a more difficult diagnostic challenge for the clinician. While recognition of ongoing hemolysis is usually rapid and relatively simple, establishing the cause can …

Potential Involvement Of Srb1 In Type 1 Diabetes Associated Dyslipidemia: Characterizing Srb1 Antisense, Sowmya Duddu, Masami Shimizu-Albergine, Karin E. Bornfedlt

Research Colloquium

Background: One of the main complications of type 1 diabetes is cardiovascular disease associated with dyslipidemia, characterized by abnormally high levels of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in the bloodstream. This imbalance could eventually lead to complications such as atherosclerosis. Liver Scavenger Receptor Class B Type 1 (SRB1) is currently being investigated for its role in type 1 diabetes induced dyslipidemia. We aim to characterize the effects of using a liver specific SRB1 antisense (GalNAc-SRB1 ASO) in non-diabetic and diabetic mice. We hypothesize that triglyceride and cholesterol levels will increase to a greater extent in diabetic mice injected with GalNAc-SRB1 ASO than in …

Rapid Response: Infantile Spasms And Low-Dose Prednisolone In A Young Child With Down Syndrome, Briana Noel Cortez, Christopher Cavazos, Aaron Carrillo, Brianna Woodliff

Research Colloquium

Background: Infantile spasms are an age-related epileptic disorder occurring in infancy or early childhood and are common in children with Down Syndrome. They have been associated with developmental delay, and thus rapid treatment of the disorder has been emphasized. First line treatments include a high dose prednisolone taper or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), of which, neither has been shown to be more efficacious in recent studies. Other less effective options include vigabatrin or high-dose pyridoxine.

Case Presentation: Our patient is a 1-year old female with Down Syndrome, who presented with concern for infantile spasms, occurring from 4-10 months of age. Episodes …

A Framework For Enterprise Resource Planning Systems In Non-Governmental Organisations In Zimbabwe, Florence Fungisai Sikweche, Theo Tsokota, Colletor Tendeukai Chipfumbu, Lucy Charity Sakala

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

The fastest and most effective way for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to manage resources efficiently is to transform through introducing information systems (IS). However, it has been argued by several authors that Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems do not usually fit the requirements of organizations in developing countries because of the different business practices, and legal and government regulations. Hence, this study sought to establish a framework for ERP integration in NGOs in Zimbabwe. Interviews and observations were used for data collection. A sample of 15 employees was chosen, using purposeful sampling, from 13 NGOs located in Harare. Results showed that …

Choosing An Appropriate Literature Review Method For Design Science Research: An Analysis Of Past Doctoral Theses, Tichaona Chinyerere, Walter F. Uys

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Design science research (DSR) generates knowledge that informs problem-solving and has emerged as a viable research paradigm in Information Systems doctoral research. Doctoral research students are, however, confused by the number of options available when selecting an appropriate literature review method for design science research. To inform the selection of an appropriate literature review method, we analyzed the literature review types from 35 design science theses and dissertations in Information Systems. Indications are that the most dominant literature review method was descriptive, and the primary purpose was theory building. To meet the objectives of design science research, we suggest using …

Data Breach Mitigation In Hospital Database Management Systems – The Case Of A Hospital In South-South Nigeria, Leton Rebecca Nsereka, Irene Govender

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

The damaging effects of data breaches result in the loss of sensitive data, operational downtime, financial losses, and, in extreme cases, legal action. This study investigates the Hospital Database Management systems (HDMS) in a selected hospital in South-South Nigeria for the mitigation of data breaches. The deployment of an Incident Response Framework for data breach mitigation on HDMS has yet to be fully researched, creating a gap literature. The research objectives were accomplished through mixed methods and design science research (DSR). About 180 participants including forty employees from the medical records unit and 140 patients/patient relatives, who interact with the …

Exploring The Role Of Reactive Oxygen Species In Redox Cancer Therapy: Unveiling New Avenues For Treatment, Fernando Cisneros Iv, Alex Zuo

Research Colloquium

Cancer cells, compared to normal cells, often exhibit higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to normal cells due to various factors. Despite this, research suggests that cancer cells are more vulnerable to oxidative stress. Given the role of oxidative stress in cancer development, several proposed mechanisms detail how ROS can contribute to tumorigenesis. The modulation of pathways directing to increased ROS production might provide more avenues for cancer treatment and prevention. Molecular targets in cancer, recognized by their association to transcription factors like Nrf2, involve genes such as P53 and HMOX1. Administration of agents such as quercetin, lipid …

Exploring Novel Niclosamide Derivatives For Enhanced Efficacy In Human Glioblastoma U-87 Mg Cells: A Sar Investigation, Fernando Cisneros Iv, Benjamin Valdivia, Jihoo Woo, Shizue Mito

Research Colloquium

Glioblastoma, often referred to as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is the most aggressive and malignant type of primary brain tumor in adults. Glioblastoma is notoriously difficult to treat due to several inherent characteristics, such as its aggressiveness, heterogeneity, compartmentalization via the blood-brain barrier, resistance to most conventional therapies like chemotherapy and radiation, its location, and limited treatment options. Consequently, despite significant advancements in pharmacotherapies over the past 30 years, there has been only relatively minimal improvement in prognosis. Recent research into the effectiveness of niclosamide, an antihelminth drug, has yielded encouraging findings regarding its potential as a treatment for glioblastoma. Our …

Institutional Education: Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?, Kyle D. Trott Ph.D.

Virginia English Journal

The author provides a historical critique of the American institution of education identifying the major shifts in pedagogical philosophy that have shaped the enthymemic discourse of schooling. The purpose is to identify and track the social history that shaped American education so that change can happen moving forward.

The “Pick Me Girl”: Understanding Relational Aggression Through Young Adult Literature, Kaleigh D. Phelps

Virginia English Journal

This text set list focuses on coming of age through a feminist lens. All books introduce a new perspective or enhance a complex view of womanhood in literature and how we view female friendships and relational aggression. Using the concept of windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors, the text set list highlights the need for feminist literature from a young age.

Adolescent Autonomy In Book Selection, Katie Dredger, Zoe Mcdowell

Virginia English Journal

Books that have been on the shelves of classrooms in the commonwealth of Virginia are being removed by overzealous and misinformed parents and school board members. Supporting literacy development means allowing adolescents to read thought-provoking and edgy, high-quality texts, vetted by educated professionals, so that students can be critical curators and consumers of the wide range of media available today. Reading begets better reading, and varied texts build empathy for others. Improved literacy and empathetic criticality will benefit our commonwealth.

Vertebral Morphology Of Loeys-Dietz Spine, Myung-Jin Cha, William Elnemer, Paul D. Sponseller

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Understanding pedicle and laminar anatomy is crucial for secure fixation of spinal instrumentation and to ultimately prevent complications such as pseudoarthrosis. This study explores the spinal morphology in the LD vertebrae and compares it to vertebrae of TDP.

Methods: The morphology of 36 vertebrae from T1 to L5 were measured in 4 LD syndrome patients, using MRI and CT scans. The morphology of 140 vertebrae from T1 to L5 were measured in non-connective tissue disorder patients, using MRI, CT, and X-rays. These values were then compared to each other. Comparisons via paired Student’s t-test were made between the concave …

Upper Extremity Neurologic Injury Following Surgery For Early-Onset Scoliosis, Myung-Jin Cha, Daniel Badin, Paul D. Sponseller

Research Colloquium

Introduction: In our study, we aim to characterize the incidence, risk factors, and outcome for and outcomes of upper extremity (UE) neurologic injury following operations for patients with early onset scoliosis (EOS).

Methods:EOS patients who underwent surgical correction of their scoliosis were selected from a multicenter database. The patient cohort was then analyzed in their demographics, etiology of scoliosis, details of the injury, type of spinal implant, and changes in cobb angle and kyphosis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize this cohort of patients.

Results: Out of 4653 EOS patients who underwent surgery in the multicenter database, 10 patients …

Surgically Relevant Anatomy Of Marfan Spinal Deformity, Myung-Jin Cha, William Elnemer, Paul D. Sponseller

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Understanding pedicle and laminar anatomy is crucial for secure fixation of spinal instrumentation. This study explores the spinal morphology in the Marfan vertebrae and compares it to vertebrae of TDP.

Methods: The morphology of 134 vertebrae from T1 to L5 were measured in 16 Marfan patients with spine deformity, using MRI and CT scans. The morphology of 140 vertebrae from T1 to L5 were measured in TDP, using MRI, CT, and X-rays. These values were then compared to each other. Comparisons via paired Student’s t-test were made between the concave and convex side of the curve.

Results: On average, …

Can We Predict Dominant Compensatory Curves In Congenital Scoliosis?, Myung-Jin Cha, William Elnemer, Paul D. Sponseller

Research Colloquium

Background: A complication in the natural evolution of congenital scoliosis is the development of a compensatory curve. Congenital curves are often focal and rigid, causing patients to develop a compensatory curve cranial and/or caudal to the congenital anomaly to achieve coronal balance. Therefore, surgeons are faced with the difficult choice of waiting for the patient to reach an appropriate age for surgery or correcting the congenital curve before a compensatory curve develops.

Methods: By searching the Pediatric Spine Study Group database, we identified 307 pediatric patients (age <18) with congenital scoliosis who had preoperative radiographs taken during at least 2 years of natural growth (without bracing or surgery). Of these patients, 17 (5.5%) had a dominant compensatory curve, and 290 had no compensatory curve or one that was smaller than the congenital curve. Of those 290 patients, we randomly selected 100 to serve as a control group, referred to as the nondominant curve cohort. We extracted data on the type of congenital anomaly and its vertebral level, as well as the Cobb angles of the congenital and compensatory curves at initial and latest follow-up. We compared vertebral level and type of congenital anomaly via chi-squared test between the dominant and nondominant curve group.

Results: The congenital anomaly was located at L4 or more caudal in 18% …

Tgf-B Signaling Pathways In The Development Of Diabetic Retinopathy, Andrew Callan, Sonal Jha, Laura Valdez, Lois F. Baldado, Andrew Tsin

Research Colloquium

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a prevalent complication of diabetes mellitus affecting a significant portion of the global population, has long been viewed primarily as a microvascular disorder. However, emerging evidence suggests that it should be redefined as a neurovascular disease with multifaceted pathogenesis rooted in oxidative stress and advanced glycation end products. The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling family has emerged as a major contributor to DR pathogenesis due to its pivotal role in retinal vascular homeostasis, endothelial cell barrier function, and pericyte differentiation. However, the precise roles of TGF-β signaling in DR remain incompletely understood, with conflicting reports on its …

Gastrointestinal Bleed In The Context Of Hemophilia A In An Incarcerated Patient In The Rio Grande Valley, Cameron B. Caldwell, Hector Trejo, Andres Suarez-Parraga

Research Colloquium

Background: Hemophilia A, the most common X-linked hereditary hemostasis disorder, has an incidence of approximately 1 in 5600 male live births worldwide. It results from a deficiency of clotting factor VIII, crucial for fibrin generation in the coagulation cascade, leading to inadequate fibrin generation and defective secondary hemostasis. Hemophilia can cause life-threatening bleeding, characterized as severe (< 1% factor VIII activity), moderate (2-5%), or mild (6-40%). Social determinants of health pose significant challenges in managing hemophilia in underserved populations. This case presents gastrointestinal bleeding in a mild hemophilia A patient in the Rio Grande Valley.

Case Presentation: A 24-year-old Hispanic male with mild hemophilia A presented with a three-day history of melena, headaches, dizziness, and mild abdominal discomfort. Despite recent normal colonoscopy and EGD results, he had a history of intermittent black stool episodes. On admission, …

Systemic Biology Approach Linking Type 2 Diabetes And Depression In A Rio Grande Valley Family Study Population, Cameron B. Caldwell, Eron Manusov, Vincent P. Diego, Ana C. Leandro, Sandra Laston, John Blangero, Sarah Williams-Blangero, Marcio Almeida

Research Colloquium

Background: Type 2 diabetes and depression are major public health concerns that disproportionally impact Mexican Americans. Prevalence of T2D and depression have been estimated as high as 30% and 40%, respectively in Mexican American populations along the Texas-Mexico border. While the interaction between these two phenotypes is well documented, the underlying genetic basis of this interaction remains unclear. Our aims for this project were to identify genes co-expressed in type 2 diabetes and depression to dissect the interaction correlations between both conditions by means of a functional gene expression correlation network.

Methods: A total of 528 Mexican American participants from …

Increased Risk Of Stroke In Hispanic Patients With Multiple Sclerosis?: A Case Report And Literature Review On Multiple Sclerosis In The Rio Grande Valley., Antoinette Burrell, Chantal Uzoma, Desiree Brewer, Naya Williams, Victoria Elizondo, Erica Burrell-Walker, Kelsey Baker

Research Colloquium

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) and stroke share a common pathogenesis that contributes to mortality and disability in patients in both developed and developing countries. MS and stroke have similar risk factors, however, the relationship between ethnicity and disease co-occurrence is unclear. Here, we describe a case report of disease co-occurrence in a Hispanic patient in the Rio Grande Valley and present a literature review on evidence suggesting an increased risk of stroke in Hispanic patients with multiple sclerosis.

Method: Relevant studies were systematically searched in PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar dated from January 2013 up to April 2024 that contained …

Empowering Diversity Ambition: Brummer And Strine’S Duty And Diversity Makes The Legal And Business Case For Doing More, Doing Good, And Doing Well, Lisa M. Fairfax

Vanderbilt Law Review En Banc

No abstract provided.

A Duty To Diversify, Anat Alon-Beck, Michal Agmon-Gonnen, Darren Rosenblum

Vanderbilt Law Review En Banc

No abstract provided.

Going Private: Climate Action By Businesses And Individuals, Daniel A. Farber

Vanderbilt Law Review En Banc

No abstract provided.

Rime: A New Spin On A More Familiar Infection, Ilana Bresky, Kristi Soileau Dds, Med, Mshce, Facd, Ficd

New Orleans Dental Association News

Dental professionals should become familiarized with Reactive Infectious Mucocutaneous Eruption, or RIME, which presents with erosive mucositis typically affecting two or more mucous membranes, frequently in the oral cavity, and oftentimes is accompanied by skin lesions or rash.

‘RIME’ is a relatively new term that was initially designated strictly to the category of MIRM (Mycoplasma-induced rash and mucositis). In 2018, however, the term RIME was adopted to distinguish patients whose mucocutaneous eruption arose from other various respiratory-related illnesses.