Digital Commons Network^™

Adipose Stem Cells As An Adjunct To Peripheral Nerve Surgery, Allison Podsednik Gardner, Raysa Cabrejo, Joseph Rosen

Research Symposium

Background: Currently, many different techniques exist for the surgical repair of peripheral nerves. The degree of injury dictates the repair and, depending on the defect or injury of the peripheral nerve, plastic surgeons can perform nerve repairs, grafts, and transfers. All the previously listed techniques are routinely performed in human patients, but a novel addition to these peripheral nerve surgeries involves concomitant fat grafting to the repair site at the time of surgery. Fat grafting provides adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) to the injury site. Though fat grafting is performed as an adjunct to some peripheral nerve surgeries, there is …

Plasma Cell Free Dna (Cfdna) Test For Diagnosis Of Infectious Diseases In Children: A Tertiary Care Children's Hospital Experience, Guyu Li, Pamela Campos, Utpal Bhalala, Jaime Fergie

Research Symposium

Introduction: Plasma cell free DNA (cfDNA) test (Karius Test®, KT) has emerged as an attractive diagnostic modality allowing noninvasive broad-range pathogen detection, and fast diagnosis. There are however few studies examining the impact of the KT in the diagnosis and management of infections in children. Our study aimed at evaluating the clinical impact of plasma cfDNA test since it was used at our institution.

Methods: Our retrospective study included children between 0 to 21 years of age who were admitted to Driscoll Children’s Hospital, Corpus Christi, Texas between January 2019 and January 2022. Demographic and clinical course data were collected. …

Descriptive Analysis Of State And Federal Malpractice Litigation In The United States Related To Neuroendovascular Procedures, Nazaneen Amjadi, Sohum Desai

Research Symposium

Introduction: Medical malpractice interests the medical community at large. While previous neurosurgical review articles have analyzed malpractice in the context of spinal surgery, few have reviewed malpractice data surrounding neurovascular procedures as a whole. Here we present a retrospective review of characteristics associated with malpractice litigation in cases involving neuroendovascular procedures in the United States.

Methods: Google Scholar Case Law, Casetext and Westlaw legal databases were searched for verdict and settlement reports pertaining to neurovascular procedures from 1984 to 2023. Data were collected regarding type of procedure, patient age and gender, defendant specialty, outcome, award, and alleged cause of malpractice. …

Evaluation Of Vitamin B12 Levels In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Taking Metformin In The Ambulatory Care Setting, Khairiya Haj-Yahya, Jose G. Gomez Casanovas, Alejandro Aquino, Eric Sanchez, Jose Rivera, Laura Rincon-Rueda, Andreina Baird, Jorge Nadal, Martha Solis, Andres R. Suarez Parraga

Research Symposium

Background: Metformin is the most widely used oral, anti-hyperglycemic medication, prescribed to more than 100 million people across the entire globe (1). Although Metformin has proven beneficial for patients with pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and PCOS, studies have also shown its use may be associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. Due to a lack of screening criteria, B12 deficiency is likely unrecognized in the ambulatory setting. Our project aimed to improve screening for vitamin B12 deficiency in our clinic amongst patients with diabetes on long-term metformin therapy.

Methods: Clinic data was collected from July 1st, 2020, to July 1st, …

Sar Study Of Niclosamide Derivatives For Neuroprotective Function In Sh-Sy5y Neuroblastoma, Shizue Mito, Benxu Cheng, B. A. Garcia, Xin Yee Ooi, D. Gonzalez, T. C. Ruiz, Francisco Xavier Elisarraras, Andrew Tsin

Research Symposium

Background: Neurodegenerative disease is a debilitating and incurable condition that affects millions of people around the world. The loss of functions or malfunctions of neural cells causes mortality. A proteasome inhibitor, MG132, is well known to cause neurodegeneration in vitro when model neuronal-derived cell lines are exposed to it. Niclosamide, an anthelmintic drug, which has been used for more than 50 years, has recently attracted renewed attention in drug repurposing because it has been found as a good candidate against various diseases in screenings. We recently found that all markers of MG132-induced neuronal cell toxicity, including the accumulation of ubiquitinated …

The Impact Of Opuntia Ficus-Indica And Other Vegetables On Serum Cholesterol And Triglycerides: A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Maricarmen Marroquin, M. Salinas, A. Cantu Martinez, M. Hernandez Ahumada, E. Balandrano Cantu, L. De Leon Sanchez, S. Chavez Acosta, A. Santos Vega, A. Sanchez Diaz, E. Vega Saldierna, A. Perez Mar, Juan Carlos Lopez-Alvarenga

Research Symposium

Background: Cholesterol is primarily synthesized in the liver. Treatment with statins and diet regulation are commonly prescribed for people with hypercholesterolemia. Previous claims suggest that the consumption of nopal and other vegetables may have a significant effect on diabetes but scarce is known about its relationship with cholesterol and triglycerides. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of nopal and other vegetables on serum cholesterol and triglyceride level in population not related with hypercholesterolemia.

Methods: We analyzed a dataset comprising of students from UMAN and their relatives totaling 198 participants. Participants completed an informed consent, …

Using The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System To Determine The Association Of Alcohol Use And Depressive Disorders In Texas, 2019-2021, Shiv Govindji

Research Symposium

Background: Alcohol is a commonly consumed substance and has been widely studied to negatively affect mental health. Alcohol misuse and depression often coexist as comorbid conditions. The presence of one can exacerbate the other, creating a cyclic pattern that may be challenging to break. Understanding the relationship between alcohol usage and depression may guide researchers and healthcare professionals towards prevention efforts and treatment strategies to increase the chances of achieving long-term wellness and improved mental wellbeing in our community.

Objective: To examine the association of alcohol use and depressive disorders in a randomly sampled adult population in Texas.

Methods: …

Revitalizing Alzheimer's Community Engagement In The Rgv Post-Pandemic: Insights From The First Two Alzheimer's Forums, Karla D. Lopez Lorenzo, Maxine Vieyra, Jesus D. Melgarejo, Gladys E. Maestre

Research Symposium

Background: The Rio Grande Valley (RGV), with a population predominantly composed of Hispanic/Latinos (93%), faces a higher risk of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) compared to other groups. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the lack of education and awareness surrounding AD and related dementias in our community. To address these challenges, we partnered with the Alzheimer's Association to organize the first two Community Forums after the pandemic. Our goal is to raise awareness, provide resources, and support those affected by AD and related conditions in the RGV.

Methods: Through a proactive partnership, our objective was to meet the growing demand for education, …

Assessing Influence Of Immigrant Status And Other Social Determinants Of Health On Community Psychiatry, Agnes M. Cruz, Jorge A. Romero Ortiz, Diana Chapa

Research Symposium

Background/purpose: Social determinants of health are fundamental and structural factors that affect people’s lives and impact their health and longevity. Differences in social determinants of health across populations and communities account for major health disparities between them. The purpose of this paper is to assess how social determinants of health have impacted the health outcomes in patients from our community psychiatry clinics, to evaluate the impact of irregular immigration status as an independent social determinant of health, and to investigate the use of SDOH screening instrument in our clinics.

Methods: An online questionnaire was sent to community psychiatry providers in …

Healthy Media - Enhancing Healthy Living Education In Prek Students With Edtech Media, Emilio Puente Barrios

Research Symposium

Background: Young children today learn in diverse environments, including home, school, and through digital media platforms such as apps, videos, games, and songs. With the increase in screen time due to Covid-19 restrictions, digital media has become a valuable resource for remote learning, offering fun and educational interactions. However, the impact of incorporating educational technology or EdTech digital media applications into health education curricula on the performance of PK 4 students in understanding and adopting healthy living concepts remains understudied. By exploring the effectiveness of design elements and strategic approaches this research aims to evaluate newer technology-driven media in enhancing …

Collection And Analysis Of Architectural Features In Streetscapes In South Texas, Cristian Maestre, Maria E. M. Carlier, Gladys E. Maestre

Research Symposium

Background: The built environment of neighborhoods influences the health and well-being of residents. One approach to studying the impact of such a built environment on people's health is through the study of the memorability of the architectural features (AFs) in streetscapes. In this direction, we raise the question: what AFs are more memorable? Understanding how AFs impact cognition will allow us to propose neighborhood designs that consider this finding to foster people's health and well-being. However, AFs in streetscapes are not universal they need to be studied in specific historical, cultural, and geographical contexts. In order to analyze the memorability …

Prevent Congenital Syphilis: A Facebook-Based Retrospective Analysis Of Community Questions To Identify Gaps In Knowledge And Misconceptions, Aryana Garza, Robert Nelson Jr.

Research Symposium

Background: Congenital syphilis is a significant public health issue that occurs when a pregnant woman with untreated syphilis transmits the infection to her unborn child, which can lead to severe health consequences such as developmental delay, stillbirth, and neonatal death. Despite the availability of effective treatments, the incidence of congenital syphilis has been increasing in recent years, particularly in certain populations such as women of color and those living in poverty. This project aims to better inform public health measures by leveraging social media as a data source for understanding community perspectives on syphilis prevention and management.

Methods: In this …

Clinical Analysis From Critically Ill Patients During The Early Spread Of Covid-19, Guohui Yang, Zewen Liu, Qing Zhang, Tabitha Abraham, Alex Zuo

Research Symposium

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) occurred in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. This study is performed in Ezhou, a city located near Wuhan and one of the first to undergo lockdown during the outbreak, thus focusing on clinical outcomes and imaging variables.

Methods: The retrospective study collected clinical data from confirmed severe COVID-19 patients who were treated at Ezhou Central Hospital during the early phase of the pandemic. Laboratory results, imaging features, and treatments were compared between patients who survived and died.

Results: The coexisting conditions were chronic respiratory diseases and cardiovascular diseases in most patients. Symptoms occurring among critically ill …

Chronic Cannabis Use Is Associated With Decreased Treatment Response In Major Depression, Ihsan Salloum

Research Symposium

Background: Cannabis is the most frequently used federally illegal drug among the population and those receiving psychiatric treatment, including patients with major depression or alcohol use disorder. There is limited information on the impact of chronic cannabis use on treatment response. The aim of this study was to examine the rate of depression remission among patients with MDD and comorbid alcoholism who reported chronic cannabis abuse.

Methods: Sixty-four subjects with comorbid major depressive disorder and alcohol dependence (PRISM/DSM-IV), and a chronic (=>10 years) history of cannabis use (n=26) were compared to those who reported occasional or no cannabis …

Improving Inpatient Hyperglycemia Through An Internal Medicine Resident And Pharmacy Audit And Feedback Quality Improvement Project, Hector Arredondo, Lina Pedraza Sanchez, Chelsea Chang, Alfarooq Alshaikhli, Alcibiades Fleires, D. Bazan, Diana Gavilanes, Don Rajan, F. Cabral, J. Cantu, J. Trejo, K. Oliveira, R. Verduzco

Research Symposium

Background: Although the advantages of proper glycemic control in hospitalized patients with diabetes are well-established, a variety of barriers limit accomplishment of blood glucose targets. Inpatient hyperglycemia is associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality, number of re-hospitalizations, and length of hospitalization. Our aim was to decrease the number of glucose values above 180mg/dl in non-critical care hospitalized patients using an audit and feedback intervention with pharmacy and internal medicine residents.

Methods: A resident-led multidisciplinary team implemented the quality improvement (QI) project including conception, literature review, educating residents, iterative development of audit and feedback tools, and data analysis. The …

Outcomes Following Total Hip Arthroplasty For Hip Dysplasia In Older Adults. Are They Comparable To Those With Osteoarthritis?, Cesar Sevilla Jr., Vanessa Lopez, Ruthvik Allala, Isabella Amado, Yin Xi, Nicholas Fey, Avneesh Chhabra, Joel Wells

Research Symposium

Background: Complications from hip dysplasia during infancy and childhood can be prevented with an early diagnosis and immediate treatment. However, those who delay interventions have an increased risk of developing secondary osteoarthritis in adulthood. We sought to investigate and compare the pre-and postoperative outcomes of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) in older adults with hip dysplasia to those with end-stage osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods: A prospectively collected database from a single institution dating from September 1st, 2016 to October 31st, 2021 was used to identify 323 unilateral THA patients who were 50 years or older and then separated into 2 …

Effect Of Third Dose Pfizer/Biontech Covid-19 And Moderna Mrna Vaccine On Igg Antibody Titers, Thao A. Khuc, Gregery Pequeno, Monica M. Betancourt-Garcia, Adrienne M. Casciato, Marissa Gomez-Martinez, Carlos D. Arroyo, Bill Pope, Shravan Narmala, Sohail Rao

Research Symposium

Background:With the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants, there has been increasing concern for another COVID-19 crisis. In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) authorized the third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) vaccine to enhance protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The purpose of our study was to investigate the impact of administering the third dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on the incidence and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Methods: We enrolled 189 participants, including healthcare workers, adults aged 65 years or older, and medically immunocompromised patients in the Rio Grande Valley. Blood …

Choroid Plexus Morphology In Substance Abuse, Angelica Pham, Alan N. Francis

Research Symposium

Background: The choroid plexus (CP), a highly vascularized organ that lines the ventricles of the brain, serves several important functions that maintain homeostasis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounding the brain and protects the brain from harm by acting as part of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier. Dysfunction in CP morphology and function has recently been associated with various conditions such as stroke, aging, neoplasms, hydrocephalus, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and psychosis. This systematic review explores the morphological changes in the CP associated with substance abuse, which poses a significant problem worldwide.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed to find …

Axial Fat Relationship With Development Of Pathologic Metabolic Disease, Allison Podsednik Gardner, Ryan Ketan Ajgaonkar, Yossef Alsabawi, Paul Berry

Research Symposium

Background: Increasing BMI is related to development of pathologic metabolic syndromes including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The present study aims to provide a review on the current data in literature assessing the relationship between axial fat and development of metabolic disease states while also exploring the long-term effects of liposuction.

Methods: We conducted a literature search using OVID, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery using search terms including “axial fat” and “truncal fat” in combination with disease states of interest including “insulin resistance,” “diabetes,” and “non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.”

Results: …

Description Of A New Technique: Utilizing A De-Epithelialized Inferior Mastectomy Skin Flap To Preserve The Nipple-Areolar Complex In Patients With Stage Ii And Iii Breast Ptosis, Allison Podsednik Gardner, Annalisa M. Lopez, Aidee Nunez, Mauricio De La Garza

Research Symposium

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women aside from non-melanoma skin cancer. Skin Sparing Mastectomy (SSM) and preservation of the nipple areolar complex (NAC) are increasing in popularity due to improved cosmesis and low rate of tumor recurrence. Relative contraindications to nipple-sparing mastectomies (NSM) include grade II and III breast ptosis, even if oncologically feasible to keep the nipple, due to concerns of vascular compromise. For some women, maintaining their own, natural nipples is an important part of the reconstructive process. This paper describes a technique which is intended to preserve the NAC in those with …

Investigating The Significance Of Muc13 In Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development, Shabnam Malik, Mohammed Sikander, S. Mishra, Daniel Zubieta, Murali M. Yallapu, S. K. Jain, Parvez Khan, Deepshikha Pande Katare, Meena Jaggi, Subhash C. Chauhan

Research Symposium

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a poor prognosis due to ineffective therapeutic modality and lack of early diagnostic marker. Accumulating studies have shown that elevated expression of mucin 13 as potential oncogene and predictive biomarker for various cancer. However, very little is known about its expression and function for development and progression of HCC.

Objective: To investigate mucin 13 expression in chemically induced hepatocellular carcinoma model.

Methodology: Diethyl nitrosamine (DEN) and 2-Acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) induced method was employed for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in Male Wistar rats. Serum and tissues were collected at regular interval of time and routinely …

Development Of Cross-Linked Tannic Acid-Based Nanoparticle For Lung Cancer Treatment, Rahul Tiwari, Vivek K. Kashyap, Eswara Naga Hanuma Kumar Ghali, Subhash C. Chauhan, Murali M. Yallapu

Research Symposium

Background: Lung cancer is a predominant cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality across the world including in the United States. Treatment modalities for lung cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or targeted therapies depending on the cancer stage. Despite the survival benefits of chemotherapy, its value is offset by severe systemic side effects such as renal and/or hepatic toxicity or insufficient amounts of drug reaching to the target site. Such pitfalls can be handled by inhalable therapy which avoids first-pass metabolism and increases patients' compliance. In this study, we have investigated the inhalable therapy of cross-linked tannic acid-based nanoparticles (CTA NPs) …

Therapeutic Efficacy Of Novel Brominated-Ormeloxifene (Br-Orm) Against Cervical Cancer, Mohammed Sikander, Shabnam Malik, John Apraku, Sonam Kumari, Parvez Khan, Daniel Zubieta, Hassan Mandil, Aditya Ganju, Bhavin Chauhan, Maria C. Bell, Man Mohan Singh, Sheema Khan, Murali M. Yallapu, Fathi T. Halaweish, Meena Jaggi, Subhash Chauhan

Research Symposium

Aberrant activation of β-catenin signaling is strongly associated with cancer proliferation, invasion, migration, and metastasis, thus small molecules that can inhibit this pathway might have great clinical significance. Our molecular modeling studies suggest that Ormeloxifene (ORM), a triphenylethylene molecule docks with β-catenin, and its brominated analogue (Br-ORM) bind more effectively with relatively less energy (-7.6 kcal/mol) to the active site of β-catenin as compared to parent ORM. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a Br-ORM by NMR and FTIR, as well as its anti-cancer potential in cervical cancer models in vitro and in vivo. Br-ORM treatment effectively inhibited …

Human Ipsc Derived Neural Stem Cells: An In-Vitro Model To Investigate Snake Venom Neurotoxicity, Miriam Aceves, Jose C. Granados, Ana C. Leandro, Juan M. Peralta, Sarah Williams-Blangero, Jacob Galan, John Blangero, Joanne E. Curran, Satish Kumar

Research Symposium

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized snakebite as a neglected tropical disease that affects nearly 2.7 million people per year and causes both long-term morbidity and substantial mortality. The multifunctionality of snake venom and the diversity of cellular responses to snake venom insult are well recognized. However, the neurotoxic effects of snake venom insult on the human nervous system are not yet fully understood. Therefore, a robust cell model that is easily reproducible and scalable to a larger sample size is required to aid the discovery of molecular mechanisms involved in the neurobiology of snake envenomation in humans. …

The Mechanisms Of N-Acetylcysteine Protect Against Cobalt Chloride Induced 661w Cone Photoreceptor Cell Toxicity., Lili Guerra, Benxu Cheng, Andrew Tsin

Research Symposium

Purpose: Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is the leading cause of blindness due to the apoptotic death of the photoreceptors among working age adults. Photoreceptors are the most common and metabolically demanding cells inl the retina thus oxygen is vital for retinal function. Hypoxia induced metabolic stress leads to photoreceptor atrophy and retinopathy. However, the protection of hypoxia-induced cytotoxicity in cone photoreceptor cells has not been investigated extensively. The aim of the present study was to further characterize the biochemical changes in cultured 661W photoreceptor cells during hypoxic exposure and to investigate the protective mechanisms of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) against hypoxia-induced …

An Investigation Of Porous Pcl Scaffolds And Osteogenic And Angiogenic Inducing Mirnas For Bone Tissue Engineering, Lauren Serra, E. Lozoya, S. D. Vidal, D. M. Enriquez, M. A. Arriaga, Sue Anne Chew

Research Symposium

Background: Trauma, infection, fracture, tumor resection, disease, or congenital abnormalities can cause bone defects. Small defects can self-regenerate, but larger ones or those with poor vascularized areas require intervention. Autografts involve transferring bone from one area to the damaged site. Although considered the current gold standard for treatment, this method is associated with limitations such as pain, infection risk, rejection and difficulty in finding the correct size, shape and volume of bone needed. Bone tissue engineering may be a promising alternative which combines multipotent cells, scaffolds, and bioactive factors to induce bone regeneration. The objectives of the study were to …

Differences In Female Re6productive Cycles Dependent On Age And The Effects On Short Term Memory In The Syrian Hamster (Mesocricetus Auratus), Laura Emma Garcia, Mariela Garcia, Fernando Dominguez, Mario Gil

Research Symposium

The female reproductive system plays an important role in cognitive function, and the status of it affects memory and many other health issues, including mental. For this reason, it is important to continue studying its effects by using as a model, the female Syrian hamster. Like the human female menstrual cycle, the female hamster has shown inconsistencies in their cycles and changes in it as they age. The female hamsters’ estrus cycle consists of a 4-day cycle. Dr. Orsini’s protocol focusing on vaginal secretion, published in 1961, describes day 1 discharge of the cycle as translucent (TS), day 2 as …

Co-Culture Of Retinal Pericytes And Retinal Endothelial Cells, Laura Valdez, Lili Guerra, Richard Lebaron, Andrew Tsin

Research Symposium

Background: Human retinal pericytes (HRP) are contractile cells adjacent to and provide support for retinal endothelial cells (REC) of retinal capillaries. One of the earliest events of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the loss of RP through apoptosis. Pericytes share a common basement membrane with endothelial cells and are most prominent in retinal capillaries in comparison with capillaries in other tissues in the body. The loss of HRP leads to the development of advanced-stage pathology including angiogenesis. In this present study, human HRP and REC in coculture were examined in order to evaluate effects of their interactions and response to exogenous …

Investigating The Ability Of Foxo Factors To Regulate The Notch Pathway, Larissa Barroso, A. M. Reyes, S. Rios

Research Symposium

Background: Initial studies show that forkhead box (FOXO) transcription factors support maintenance in embryonic, hematogenic, and neural stem cells. Myoblasts, embryonic precursors of myocytes, are essential for forming and maintaining skeletal muscle tissue, which can fuse to form with multinucleated myotubes. In the presence of activated PI3K-AKT pathway, FOXO factors are inactive in muscle and liver cells; however, this regulatory mechanism is bypassed in stem/stem-like cells. FOXO factors directly interact with stem-related genes like OCT4 and SOX2, facilitating their expression. Nevertheless, our understanding of the full range and conservation of FOXO transcription factor function in stem cell environments remains incomplete, …

Investigating The Post-Treatment Mechanisms Underlying Prolonged Effect Of Niclosamide And Camptothecin On Glioblastoma Cells, X. Fang, B. Cheng, R. Lara, J. B. Osho, Josue Fonseca

Research Symposium

Background: Glioblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor characterized by its aggressive and highly proliferative nature. Although GBM rarely metastasizes to distant organs, it presents unique characteristics that challenge chemo- and radio-therapeutic efforts. Previous studies have attributed glioblastoma's prominent level of resistance to its involvement in multiple signaling pathways. To counter this, current promising treatments, such as Niclosamide and Camptothecin (CPT), have been evaluated and subsequently combined for their synergistic effect, targeting the multiple pathways that glioblastoma upregulates. The current study provides further insight into the duration of effect in with the usage of such promising treatments. The lasting …