Digital Commons Network^™

Behavioral Therapy On Relieving Urinary Incontinence And Poor Sleep Among Women With Diabetes, Pei-Hua Huang, Yuan-Mei Liao, Chun-Hou Liao, Wen-Ya Ma, Yen-Kuang Lin, Cheng-Chen Chou

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Urinary incontinence and poor sleep are common in women with diabetes. As a close relationship exists between urinary incontinence and poor sleep, healthcare providers should consider both when providing management. This study examined the intervention effects of a nurse-led behavioral therapy program containing pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and Brief Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia (BBTI) on urinary incontinence and poor sleep.

Methods: This study was a prospective, repeated-measures interventional study. We recruited women with diabetes and randomly assigned participants to an experimental group (n=28) or a control group (n=26). Both groups received information about urological …

Shared Decision-Making, Health Literacy, And Self-Care Knowledge On Hemodialysis Self-Care Behaviors, Hyohjung Lee, Mikyoung Cho

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Patients undergoing hemodialysis experience various complications and physical and emotional difficulties, leading to decreased quality of life. Self-care behaviors(SCB) are essential for preventing complications and reducing mortality rates. Effective SCB significantly depend on shared decision-making(SDM), health literacy(HL), and self-care knowledge(SCK), each critical in patient self-care performance and disease management. This study aimed to determine the importance and relevance of SDM, HL, and SCK. In particular, it enhances SCB among hemodialysis patients. Further, it sought to propose practical nursing interventions based on these findings. Participants were 108 adult hemodialysis patients from the nephrology departments of three general hospitals in Region C. …

Retinopathy Of Prematurity: History, Diagnosis, And Treatment, Henry Nguyen, Bs, Ayra Khan, Bs, Flavius Beca, Md, Yoshihiro Yonekawa, Md

inSIGHT

Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative disorder that remains a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness worldwide. This review examines the current understanding of ROP's pathophysiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. ROP develops in two distinct phases: an initial hyperoxic phase, denoted by decreased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), followed by a hypoxic phase, where increasing levels of VEGF trigger pathological neovascularization. Currently, the most effective therapeutics for management are laser photocoagulation and anti-VEGF therapies. The current paradigm in ROP management is shifting toward earlier identification, better risk stratification, and integration of digital screening technologies and standardizing …

Genetic Counseling In Ophthalmology: An Interview, Emmanuel Worede-Kal, Bs

inSIGHT

Ms. Procopio has been practicing as a genetic counselor for seven years, and in the Department of Ocular Genetics at Wills Eye Hospital for the past four years. She provides patients with information necessary to understand the role of genetic testing and the impact of results on their care as well as potential implications for family members. Given the rapidly changing field of ophthalmic genetics, Ms. Procopio is an important member of the multidisciplinary care team of patients with rare genetic conditions.

Comparing Approaches To Refractive Laser Eye Surgery, Tejal Patel, Ba

inSIGHT

Laser eye surgery is one of the most common outpatient ophthalmic procedures performed in the United States. Most patients choose laser eye surgery because they want to decrease the need for daily glasses or contact lens wear. In the past 10 years, over 700,00 eyes have been treated with some type of laser surgery (1).¹ While colloquially known as “LASIK,” there are three major types of laser eye surgeries: Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), Laser in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK), and Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE). These surgeries all fundamentally rely on the same concept of using a laser to reshape the …

A Day In The Life Of An Orbital And Oculoplastic Surgeon, Alexis Duffy, Ba

inSIGHT

Have you ever heard of an oculoplastic surgeon before? And if so, ever wonder what they do or how they differ from plastic surgeons? Treating the periocular region requires an in-depth understanding not only of the eye, but also its complex interplay with adjacent orbital, sinus, and craniofacial anatomy; there is much more than meets the eye! The most common pathway to become an oculoplastic surgeon includes completion of a four-year ophthalmology residency, followed by one to two years of subspecialized oculoplastic fellowship. Oculoplastic fellowships provide surgical and medical experience managing pathology of the eyelid and orbit, and different programs …

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: A Comprehensive Review Of Diagnosis And Management, Sriya Sadhu, Bs

inSIGHT

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a critical vision-threatening disease that has been on the rise over the past 10 years.¹ IIH is a condition involving an increase in intracranial pressure due to an unknown (idiopathic), nonspecific cause. The previous alternative name of IIH, "pseudotumor cerebri" (false brain tumor), was given because IIH can present with symptoms similar to those that are seen in several brain tumors - severe headaches, seizures, nausea, and vision deterioration. IIH has a primarily female predominance and a strong association with obesity. As the rates of obesity increase, the prevalence of IIH is similarly expected …

Recent Trends In The Ophthalmology Match, Michael Pratt, Ma

inSIGHT

Ophthalmology remains a competitive field to match for residency, with applications far outnumbering available positions. The criteria for a successful match are unclear owing to differences in data reporting from the SF Match system as compared to the National Residency Match Program, a relatively low volume of scholarly research about the ophthalmology match, and the transition of the USMLE Step 1 exam to pass/fail grading in 2022. This narrative review, while not intended as a guide to become a competitive applicant for residency, will summarize the 2024 ophthalmology match cycle results, report the specific match rate for Sidney Kimmel Medical …

Vascular, Immunological, And Mechanical Factors In Normal Tension Glaucoma: A Multidimensional Approach To Pathogenesis, Rachel E. Cain

inSIGHT

Glaucoma is characterized by progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells leading to optic neuropathy and visual field loss.

The major risk factor for glaucoma is elevated intra-ocular pressure (IOP) (Fig. 1). However, 30-40% of patients with glaucoma have normal IOP, leading to the classification of normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) (Fig. 1 C, E).^1,2 The prevalence of NTG varies between populations, with Asians having the highest prevalence (77- 92%), followed by Africans (57%), and Caucasians (30-39%).³ In a landmark study, the collaborative normal tension glaucoma study group (CNTGS) showed that a 30% reduction in IOP in NTG patients slowed the …

Giving More Than Vision: The Evolution And Impact Of Give Kids Sight Day, Leah Prischak, Bs

inSIGHT

Current literature strongly suggests that quality of life is diminished in children with visual impairments.¹ In many situations, visual impairment (VI) can be a serious barrier in obtaining the typical experiences and accomplishments of childhood. Evidence suggests an association between visual acuity, refractive error, and child academic performance.² VI is also associated with the prevalence of more intangible, psychological obstacles in areas such as independence and autonomy, concerns about the future, social relationships, participation, and acceptance.³

Retina In 10 Years—Exciting Developments, Amer Ahmed

inSIGHT

Significant advancements in the field of retina are expected over the next decade.

Wet AMD: Emerging Therapies
Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic eye condition and a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the macula. These vessels are fragile and prone to leaking blood or fluid, which damages the retina and leads to rapid central vision loss.¹

Insight, Volume 5, Issue 1, 2025

inSIGHT

Contents

8 - Retina in 10 Years—Exciting Developments
By Amer Ahmed

12 - Giving More than Vision: The Evolution and Impact of Give Kids Sight Day
By Leah Prischak

15 - Vascular, Immunological, and Mechanical Factors in Normal Tension Glaucoma: A Multidimensional Approach to Pathogenesis
By Rachel Cain

22 - Recent Trends in the Ophthalmology Match
By Michael Pratt

25 - Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: A Comprehensive Review of Diagnosis and Management
By Sriya Sadhu

31 - Day in the Life of an Orbital and Oculoplastic Surgeon
By Alexis Duffy

35 - Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
By Tejal Patel

42 - Genetic …

Treatment Of Tics In Pediatric Patients With Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Faiza Ahmad

Research Colloquium

Background: The prevalence of chronic and transient tic disorders in children with neurodevelopmental delays is substantially higher than in the general pediatric population. Disorders including Tourette’s Syndrome, Chronic Persistent Motor Tic Disorder or Provisional Tic Disorder, can present challenges in treatment when comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down’s Syndrome or other developmental delays may not be able to participate in first-line behavioral interventions like CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics) therapy. Therefore, optimization of pharmacologic treatment is often necessary in this population, especially in the case of severe, refractory tics. Additionally, pharmacologic treatment can be …

Miconazole Induces Cell Cycle Arrest And Apoptosis In Prostate Cancer Cells Via A P53-Mediated Pathway: A Drug Repurposing Strategy, Eswara Naga Hanuma Kumar Ghali, Lindsey Shim, Rahul Tiwari, Rajasekhar Baru, Anupam Dhasmana, Ryan Chang, Sung Yun Jung, Vivek K. Kashyap, Neeraj Chauhan, Subhash Chauhan, Murali Yallapu

Research Colloquium

Aim: Repurposing of FDA-approved antifungal drugs to combat prostate cancer.

Background: Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among men in the United States, second only to non-melanoma skin cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates about 313,780 new cases and 35,770 deaths from prostate cancer in 2025. Despite various treatments such as radiation therapy (both external beam and internal), chemotherapy, hormone therapy, cryotherapy, biological therapy, and high-intensity focused ultrasound, men are monitored for side effects over many years. Therefore, new drugs and treatment strategies are urgently needed to address this challenge.

Methods: In this study, we …

Bridging Genetics And Pharmacology: Diazoxide Choline Xr (Vykat) In The Treatment Of Hyperphagia In Prader–Willi Syndrome, Elena Dike, Nazia Siddiqui, Astrid-Ines Foamkom, Bharathi Gadad

Research Colloquium

Prader–Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by loss of paternal expression in the 15q11–q13 region, with the SNORD116/SNHG14 cluster most strongly linked to hyperphagia. This hyperphagia is a major cause of morbidity in PWS. Vykat, a recently approved FDA drug to treat hyperphagia in PWS acts by opening KATP channels in pancreatic β-cells, thereby reducing insulin secretion and indirectly improving satiety. This presentation aims to highlight the central hypothalamic dysfunction from genetic imprinting defects and the peripheral action of Vykat. While Vykat represents a significant advance, especially for individuals with severe hyperphagia, it does not address the …

Chromoblastomycosis Of The Diabetic Foot: A Diagnostic Challenge, Edwardo Abrego Ii, Laura Ackerman, Mario Trujillo-Acosta

Research Colloquium

Background: Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a rare transcutaneous fungal infection, estimated to affect roughly 1 in 8 million Americans annually. CBM is considered an occupational disease in tropical climates for farm workers exposed to contaminated soil/plants. This infection has an insidious onset and can be recurrent, yielding verrucous/nodular lesions that can be mistaken with polymicrobial bacterial infections in diabetic patients. If not promptly diagnosed and treated, CBM can lead to malignant transformation, which places an emphasis on a thorough history as this can influence proper workup.

Case Presentation: A 66-year-old Hispanic insulin-dependent type II diabetic male presented to the …

Hfd Feeding For Seven Months Abolishes Sting Disruption-Driven But Not Female Sex-Based Protection Against Hepatic Steatosis And Inflammation In Mice, Xinlei Guo, Honggui Li, Bilian Zhu, Xiaoxiao Wang, Qian Xu, Eduardo A. Aquino, Minji Koo, Qingsheng Li, James Cai, Shannon Glaser, Chaodong Wu

Research Colloquium

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is positively correlated with the degrees of liver inflammation in human metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). In addition, STING disruption alleviates MASLD in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 3 months (3- m-HFD). Here we investigated the role of the duration of dietary feeding in regulating MASLD in mice and explored the involvement of STING in sex differences in MASLD. Both male and female STING-disrupted (STINGgt) and wild-type C57BL/6J mice were fed an HFD for 3 or 7 months (7-m-HFD). Additionally, female STINGgt mice upon ovariectomy (OVX) and 3-m-HFD were analyzed for MASLD. …

Delayed Diagnosis Of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Presenting As Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia: A Case For Heightened Clinical Suspicion, Diana Acosta Pozo, Luis Álvarez Pérez

Research Colloquium

Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by multisystem involvement, including hematologic manifestations. Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA), though an established feature, is relatively uncommon and may occur early or in isolation. When AIHA presents without overt systemic symptoms, the underlying autoimmune etiology may be overlooked, resulting in delays in diagnosis and treatment. Prompt recognition is essential to prevent unnecessary interventions and prolonged morbidity.

Case Presentation: A 39-year-old woman residing in Texas presented to the Rheumatology office with persistent synovitis and severe transfusion-dependent anemia, requiring red blood cell transfusions every 48 hours for over three months. She …

Generation Of Functional Hepatocytes From Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, Daniela Gonzalez, Miriam Aceves, Lorena Guerra, Jose C. Granados, Felicia Juarez, Earl Novilla, Ana C. Leandro, Marcelo Leandro, Joanne E. Curran, John Blangero, Sarah Williams-Blangero, Satish Kumar

Research Colloquium

Background: One of the most common forms of chronic liver disease is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is a condition of hepatic steatosis, excess fat accumulation in hepatocytes. It affects about 38% adults worldwide and about 50% adults in the Rio Grande Valley, and is a major risk factor for more serious nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The risk for NAFLD is likely due to a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Other metabolic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, that have a high prevalence in the Valley, likely contribute to …

Educational Services And Language Congruency In Low-Income Children Who Are Deaf Of Hard-Of-Hearing, Courtney J. Austin, Dylan Chan, Jihyun Stephans

Research Colloquium

Background: Children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH) are required by United States law to have access to educational services through the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA). However, access to language-congruent providers, as well as supplemental services, varies considerably. Household income is associated with poorer hearing care access and outcomes in DHH children. We predict that access to supplemental, language-congruent DHH services is poorer in DHH children from lower-income homes.

Methods: This is a secondary, ad hoc exploratory study of DHH children aged 0-27 months enrolled in a randomized clinical trial (CT.gov: NCT04928209). Children were enrolled across all …

A Puzzling Case Of Visual Disturbances Leads To A Fatal Neurodegenerative Diagnosis, Courtney J. Austin, Aaron Carrillo, Jennifer Rojas Huen, Victoria Parada

Research Colloquium

Background: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare neurodegenerative disease in which early diagnosis is complicated by the presence of early non-specific and atypical presentations. Sporadic CJD (sCJD), the most common type of CJD, is caused by the spread of a disease-forming prion known as PrPSc. PrPSc multiplies and binds to the normal form of prion, or PrP, converting it to an abnormal, structurally altered disease form that spreads throughout the brain. sCJD can initially present with six different phenotypes: cognitive, affective, classic, visual (Heidenhain variant), atactic (Oppenheimer-Brownell variant), and indeterminate. The classic presentation of CJD includes rapidly progressive dementia with …

When The Hitts Keep Coming: A Case Of Takatsubo Cardiomyopathy Triggered By Delivering A New Diagnosis Of Multiple Myeloma, Corey Haines, Yareli Durazo, Tatiana Dacak, Bharat K. Peddinani, Nida Asif

Research Colloquium

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM), or stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is a transient condition often triggered by acute emotional or physical stress, typically presenting with chest pain, elevated cardiac biomarkers, and electrocardiographic changes mimicking acute coronary syndrome, but without obstructive coronary artery disease. We report the case of an 80-year-old male who developed TCM following the emotional stress of a new multiple myeloma diagnosis. His hospital course was complicated by acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and likely heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Despite a critical ICU stay requiring mechanical ventilation, diuresis, and dialysis initiation, the patient’s cardiac function partially recovered. This case highlights the severe physiologic impact …

From Venom To Medicine: Harnessing Animal Toxins For Drug Discovery, Christine Vega, Ying Jia

Research Colloquium

Background: Drug development research has long focused on synthesizing novel therapeutics while overlooking isolation from naturally available sources such as animal venoms. Recently, the discovery of the therapeutic effects of highly bioavailable animal venom caused the field of venom research to soar in popularity. Animal venom serves as a natural, sophisticated tool optimized over millions of years by evolution with the ability to bind to ion channels such as nAChRs, non-specific ligand-gated ion channels distributed throughout the human nervous system. However, purifying individual venom toxins from crude venom is challenging due to its availability. Therefore, synthesizing large quantities of venom …

Material Hardship And Postpartum Depression: The Moderating Role Of Social Support Across Family Structures, Christine Pham, Chantal Uzoma, Monica Perez

Research Colloquium

Background: Economic hardship is a significant risk factor for postpartum depression (PPD), a condition with lasting impacts on maternal and child well-being (Agrawal et al., 2022). Although social support is theorized to buffer stress, little is known about whether its protective effects on PPD differ by family structure (Wang et al., 2023).

Objective: The objective of the current study is to examine whether higher social support moderates the association between material hardship and postpartum depression among new mothers and whether this relationship varies across marital status groups (married, cohabiting, single).

Methods: Data will be drawn from Wave 1 of the …

Optimizing Antibiotic Stewardship In Pneumonia: Evidence-Based Protocols For Enhanced Treatment And Resistance Reduction In A University-Affiliated Community Hospital, Carlos Luis Alejos, Jennifer Rojas Huen, Joan Beatrice Capellan, Ricardo Serna, Tejaswini Swamy, Jose Campo Maldonado

Research Colloquium

Introduction: National guidelines recommend early, targeted diagnostics such as respiratory viral panels, procalcitonin testing, Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal swabs, and sputum cultures, for the effective management of pneumonia. However, our retrospective review at a university-affiliated community hospital revealed inconsistent application of these tools. These may contribute to excessive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, higher costs, and increased antimicrobial resistance. The reason is that we aim to implement a standardized pneumonia order set in the electronic medical record (EMR) to improve diagnostic accuracy and antibiotic stewardship.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of adult inpatients admitted with community-acquired, hospital-acquired, …

The Price Of Copper: Unmasking Wilson’S Disease, Blake C. Martin, Stephen M. Garcia, Aun A. Bangash, Matthew Peynado, Jose Campo Maldonado

Research Colloquium

Background: This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of acute liver failure in a young adult initially presumed to have alcoholic hepatitis. Wilson disease, a rare but treatable cause of hepatic decompensation, must be considered, particularly in younger individuals with a suggestive biochemical profile and family history. The novelty of this case lies in the evolving diagnostic shift from alcohol-related liver disease to Wilson disease, underscoring the critical importance of comprehensive etiologic evaluation.

Case Presentation: A 28-year-old male with no known medical history presented with jaundice, abdominal pain, and systemic symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and RUQ tenderness. He reported heavy alcohol …

The Link Between Pre-Existing Medical Conditions And Knee Meniscus Tear And Repair In Medically Underserved Community, Blake C. Martin, Manoj Peiris, Michael D. Sander

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Menisci function primarily in shock absorption and load transmission and can be torn, in isolation or concomitantly, via various activities. Our primary objective in this study was to analyze patients in the unique RGV community with various pre-existing medical conditions and determine if there was an association with the odds of having knee meniscus tear and repair surgery.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review using the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) UTHealth electronic database utilizing medical charts during the period January 1, 2018, to January 1, 2025. We collected and analyzed medical charts of individuals …

The Association Between Pre-Existing Medical Conditions And Trigger Finger Release In A Medically Underserved Region, Blake C. Martin, Manoj Peiris, Michael D. Sander

Research Colloquium

Background: Trigger finger is a relatively common condition that may affect daily activities. The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is a health professional shortage area with a unique patient population. Our primary objective in this study was to analyze patients with various pre-existing medical conditions and determine if there was an association with the risk of trigger finger release surgery.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review using the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) UTHealth electronic database utilizing medical charts from January 1, 2018, to January 1, 2025. We collected and analyzed medical charts of patients who were diagnosed …

Chronic Conditions And Osteoporosis Risk: Insights From Penalized Logistic Modeling, Blake C. Martin, Juan Lopez Alvarenga

Research Colloquium

Background: The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is a rural area with underserved, unique communities that may influence the health of the population. The primary objective of this study was to analyze factors associated with osteoporosis in individuals in the RGV to determine if the number of pre-existing medical conditions had an association with the frequency of osteoporosis. We hypothesized that individuals with more pre-existing medical conditions would be associated with an increased frequency of osteoporosis.

Methods: This study was a retrospective chart review from January 1, 2018, to January 1, 2025, using the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) …

The South Texas Center Of Excellence In Cancer Research Core Facilities, Bianca Jimenez, Joel De Los Santos, Lindsey Shim, Iris Enriquez, Subhash Chauhan, Murali Yallapu

Research Colloquium

Background: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley-School of Medicine (UTRGV-SOM) has founded the South Texas Centre of Excellence in Cancer Research to address disproportionate cancer related health issues in the Valley. UTRGV-SOM established an Integrated Cancer Research Core (ICRC, CPRIT/UT System), Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine Core (DDNC, CPRIT), and Research Capacity (RCMI) Facilities at the UTRGV campus to provide cutting-edge technologies to support cancer research investigators of the Rio Grande Valley. The ICRC will house technologies like Flow Cytometry, CyTOF, Image Stream Flow, Droplet Digital PCR, molecular and microPET/CT imaging. Our expertise and focus on this presentation will be …