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“Trapped In Silence”: Chronic Phenytoin Toxicity In A Nonverbal Elderly With Cerebral Palsy, Nida Asif, Sikandar Zia, Yareli Durazo, Oyinlola Fasehun, Andres Suarez Parraga

Research Colloquium

Background: Phenytoin is the one of the oldest and widely prescribed anticonvulsant drugs with a narrow therapeutic index, exhibiting saturable metabolism at higher concentrations, hence small dose changes can disproportionately raise serum levels and precipitate toxicity. Chronic use can result in neurological toxicity (e.g., ataxia, nystagmus). Because these manifestations are often nonspecific, chronic phenytoin toxicity is frequently under-recognized or misattributed to other conditions especially in patients unable to report symptoms.

Case presentation: A 73-year-old female with past medical history of cerebral palsy with associated neurological complications including cognitive impairment, nonverbal status and childhood epilepsy maintained on long term phenytoin therapy …

Genetic Analysis Of Strabismus, Nystagmus, And Associated Disorders, Nafiza Meher, Mayra Martinez Sanchez, Pablo Altschwager Kreft, Anne Fulton, Mary C. Whitman

Research Colloquium

Strabismus and nystagmus are prevalent eye movement disorders that impair visual function and overall quality of life. Strabismus refers to the misalignment of the eyes, while nystagmus is involuntary oscillatory eye movements. Both may be isolated conditions or indicators of underlying ocular, neurological, or genetic causes. Although numerous genes have been associated with nystagmus related disorders, there is still much to be known regarding causes of idiopathic nystagmus. Strabismus, especially when occurring isolated, has no known genetic causes, hindering progress in early diagnosis and targeted management. This study utilizes next-generation whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to improve diagnostic outcomes, explore potential candidate …

Fortify Resilience A Multi-Level Approach To Mitigating Burnout And Promoting Well-Being In Physician Residents, Monica C. Perez, Yvette K. Cantu Cazares, M. Hernandez, Deepu George

Research Colloquium

The Fortify Resilience initiative is a multi-level program designed to cultivate and sustain a culture of well-being for Residents and Fellows (R/Fs) at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Medicine’s (SOM) Graduate Medical Education (GME) residency and fellowship programs. This initiative addresses burnout and invests in well-being at individual, group, and institutional levels through three core drivers: Access Strategy, Empowerment Initiatives, and System Redesign.

Muc13 Confers Radio-Resistance In Colorectal Cancer Cells, Shabnam Malik, Mohammed Sikander, Daniel Zubieta, Kyle Doxtater, Manish Tripathi, Murali Yallapu, Subhash Chauhan

Research Colloquium

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer globally and presents a substantial public health concern due to its elevated incidence and mortality rates. A significant challenge in CRC management is the emergence of radio-resistance, which reduces the efficacy of radiotherapy. Thus, it is essential to identify novel molecular mechanisms that contribute to radio-resistance in CRC. Recent studies, including our own, have identified MUC13 as a critical factor in the progression and metastasis of CRC; however, its role in radio-resistance remains inadequately understood. In this study, we investigated the impact of MUC13 expression on radio-resistance in CRC …

Generation Z And Entrepreneurship: Community Banking’S Next Challenge, Arturo Rodriguez

Journal of Business & Entrepreneurship

Generation Z (Gen Z), is currently graduating from college and joining the workforce in the United States. Gen Z is distinctly unique from other generations and has been identified as highly entrepreneurial. Gen Z has also been recognized as being highly reliant on technology, which is something that the banking industry, but specifically, smaller community banks have not yet fully embraced. This paper explores strategies that community banks’ executives and board of directors can utilize to attract Gen Z entrepreneurs who, in general, despise or do not have knowledge of the way in which banks conduct business lending.

Hnrnpk, A Potential Patient Biomarker Correlated With Lncrna Malat1 In Hepatocellular Carcinom, Mohammad Shabir Hussain, Salique H. Shaham, Veerababu Nagati, Yamile A. Anaya, Subhash C. Chauhan, Manish Kumar Tripathi

Research Colloquium

Background and Aims: The liver is a vital organ involved in metabolism, and liver cancer represents a significant global health challenge, with an expected annual incidence to surpass one million cases worldwide by 2025. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer, making up about 90% of cases, and remains the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts & Figures 2025, an estimated 42,240 new cases of liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer and 30,090 deaths are anticipated in the United States in 2025. In Texas, projections …

Developing A Tnbc Resistance Model And Identifying Unique Molecular Pathways Related To Drug Resistance, Melina J. Sedano, Subramanian Dhandayuthapani, Murali Yallapu, Subhash Chauhan, Shrikanth Gadad

Research Colloquium

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is projected to make up about 10–15% of all new breast cancer cases in 2025, with poorer outcomes than other subtypes. An estimated 42,170 women will die from breast cancer this year. TNBC often involves larger, higher-grade tumors, leading to lower survival and recurrence-free rates. Chemotherapy, especially anthracyclines like doxorubicin, is commonly used, but its efficacy is limited by drug resistance. The mechanisms behind this resistance are unclear, possibly involving changes in cellular pathways, interactions with the extracellular matrix, or epigenetic modifications.

Methods: To study resistance, two TNBC cell lines were gradually exposed to increasing …

Studying Molecular Mechanism In The Progression Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Mohammed Sikander, Shabnam Malik, Swatantra K. Jain, Deepshikha Pande Katare, Murali Yallapu, Subhash Chauhan

Research Colloquium

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a prominent contributor to cancer-related mortality globally, with its etiology closely associated with environmental factors, inclusive of chemical carcinogens and viral pathogens. Contemporary investigations have underscored the association between obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and the Western dietary patterns characterized by elevated fats and processed meat intake. Notwithstanding these observations, the precise molecular mechanisms underpinning dietary influences on hepatocarcinogenesis remain insufficiently explored. Our study reveals that diethylnitrosamine (DEN), a N-nitroso compound commonly present in food additives and tobacco smoke, significantly upregulates MUC13 and N-Myc expression. N-Myc, a member of the Myc family of proto-oncogenes, plays …

Regional Disparities In The Diagnostic Age Of Skin Carcinomas: An Analysis Of The Rio Grande Valley, Miguel A. Lopez, Natasha Quailes, Elias Arellano Villanueva, Maria Villegas

Research Colloquium

The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is a region of South Texas with limited dermatologic diagnostic data, particularly among non-melanoma skin carcinomas. The rising rates of chronic conditions and mortality can be attributed to the limited access to healthcare in the region, with skin conditions taking less priority in patients with numerous comorbidities. Data on the age of diagnosis for skin carcinomas between 1995-2019 for Hispanic and non-Hispanic individuals was obtained from the Texas Cancer Registry. It is important to note that the TCR considers primary skin cancers, such as basal and squamous cell carcinoma coded as C44.0-C44.9, as non-reportable cases. …

An Analysis Of The Diagnostic Age Of Skin Carcinomas Across Central Texas, Miguel A. Lopez, Natasha Quailes, Elias Arellano Villanueva, Hamaad Gohar, Maria Villegas

Research Colloquium

Patients seeking healthcare in medically underserved regions often require travel to larger metropolitan hubs across the state of Texas. The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is home to many such patients who often travel to central Texas for care, which compounds expense and inconvenience. Pockets of central Texas have been reported to have an increased number of dermatologists per 100,000 people. Bexar county ranks among the five most populous counties in the state, with increased access to dermatologic care compared to nearby regions. Using data from the Texas Cancer Registry, this project aims to identify the mean (M) age of diagnosis …

Cerebral Malaria In Chad- A Case Report Series, Megan W. Szobody, Blaise Djomg Yang, Noel Johnson, Kelsey Potter-Baker

Research Colloquium

Malaria is a serious disease caused by various species of the Plasmodium genus. Among these, Plasmodium falciparum is widely considered the most dangerous, due to its ability to infect both young and mature red blood cells (RBCs). Malarial disease, caused primarily by P. falciparum, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa, and notably in Chad, accounting for over 10,000 deaths each year and with an incidence rate of over 3 million. Anyone can acquire falciparum malaria after being bitten by infected anopheles mosquitoes, but in pregnant women and young children, this disease is often deadly. A …

Determining The Effects Of An Hiv Infective Model On The Development Of Neuropathic Pain In Alzheimer’S Disease Model Mice., Ayesha Usman, Megan W. Szobody, Jose Rios, Mohammed Alnoud, Khalid Benamar

Research Colloquium

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of the Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in producing neuropathic pain in an Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) mouse model. HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 is correlated with increased release of thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia mediators from astrocytes and glial cells in rodents, producing the identifiable symptoms of neuropathic pain. Similarly, studies show that 45.8% of AD patients experience chronic pain. The production of an HIV/AD comorbid mouse model will be useful in determining important pathological pathways for neuropathic pain and is vital to future studies in therapeutic approaches to these conditions. Two …

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Presenting As Painless Parotitis In A 65-Year-Old Male: A Case Report, Mary Arden G. Guillory, Ashlyn Holubar

Research Colloquium

Background: Lymphoma is a malignancy of lymphocytes, which are progenitors to B-cell lymphocytes and T-cell lymphocytes (Padala and Kallam 2025). Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (31% of adult cases), typically presenting in males in their 60s (Thandra, Barsouk et al. 2021). Typical B symptoms include fever, night sweats, and weight loss; however, atypical presentations can delay diagnosis and treatment. Prompt treatment of DLBCL is crucial to maximize the chances of remission and potential cure. Treatment depends on staging and disease type but with appropriate chemotherapy, survival can be long and possibly curative. …

Influence Of Epidemiological Factors On Facial Trauma Incidence In Texas: A Five-Year Retrospective Analysis, Mary Arden G. Guillory, Ashlyn Holubar, Isabella Ortigoza, Jocelyn Torres, Saloni Saldhi, Shaika Padhi, Kelsey Potter-Baker

Research Colloquium

Background: Most facial fractures are diagnosed and triaged in the emergency room after traumatic accidents. Previous studies indicate that mandible fractures are the most common facial fractures requiring surgery. Current literature suggests that facial fractures incidence and severity are influenced by demographics, however, evidence remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the location of facial fractures and patient demographics in Texas, aiding healthcare workers in assessing risk factors for facial trauma.

Methods: We analyzed publicly available data from the Department of State Health Services trauma database for 2018 – 2022. We evaluated ICD-10 codes for facial …

Triple Or Double? Safety Holds Steady In Acute Stenting, Marlon C. Monayao, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Samantha Miller, Ameer E. Hassan

Research Colloquium

Background: Acute stenting is typically performed for patients presenting with focal neurological deficits due to intracranial or extracranial atherosclerotic stenosis. Following the procedure, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) regimen is commonly prescribed to reduce the risk of in-stent thrombosis. However, very few studies have examined safety outcomes in patients already on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) who undergo acute carotid or intracranial stenting with subsequent dual anti-platelet regimen (DAPT). The combination of DOAC and DAPT, referred here as triple therapy, is controversial given the increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation. This retrospective cohort study aims to analyze the safety of triple therapy …

No Safety Trade-Off: Triple Therapy Matches Dapt In Acute Stenting With Thrombectomy, Marlon C. Monayao, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Samantha Miller, Ameer E. Hassan

Research Colloquium

Background: Patients who acutely undergo intra- or extracranial stenting are typically placed on a dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) regimen to decrease the risk of in-stent thrombosis. However, initiating these medicines in patients who are already on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) is controversial due to the increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation. Studies have been done on patients with atrial fibrillation on DOACs who undergo coronary stenting and subsequently begun on DAPT, but there are no corollaries for patients undergoing acute carotid or intra-cranial stenting and associated safety outcomes. This retrospective cohort study aims to bridge that understanding and checked whether …

Expanding The Integrated Behavioral Health Workforce: The Interdisciplinary Integrated Primary And Behavioral Healthcare (I2pbh) Initiative, Maria Hernandez, J. Garza, Monica C. Perez, Deepu George

Research Colloquium

The I2PBH initiative offers a multi-faceted training model that integrates graduate coursework, technology-based education, and hands-on clinical experience. Students receive foundational and advanced instruction in the PCBH model, including brief evidence-based interventions, team-based care principles, population-based approaches, and culturally responsive practices. Trainees participate in interprofessional training within primary care settings under supervision, gaining exposure to the real-time pace and complexity of integrated behavioral health care.

Expanding Access To Behavioral Healthcare Through Workforce Development: Primary Care Behavioral Health Partnerships Advancing & Transforming Health Sciences (Pcbh Paths), Maria Hernandez, J. Garza, Monica C. Perez, Deepu George

Research Colloquium

PCBH PATHS is a multi-disciplinary training initiative that aims to impact 2,004 clinician learners, including 1,106 primary care provider (PCP) trainees, 818 mental health provider (MHP) trainees, and 80 PCP/MHP practitioners. Since 2019, PCBH has been implemented clinically and educationally in Family Medicine and Ob/Gyn residency programs to improve access to whole-health services and enhance provider competencies in delivering integrated care. Through a population health lens, PCBH PATHS equips care teams to manage conditions such as depression, chronic pain, diabetes, and substance use disorders. Its approach includes clinic readiness assessments, leadership engagement, workflow mapping, adapted training modules, and wellness programs …

Hands-On Stem In Ghana: Inspiration For Culturally Relevant Pedagogy Globally, Alhassan Issifu, Mawuena A. Hanson, Heather R. Beem

Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research (J-PEER)

Many educators are increasingly seeking culturally relevant pedagogies they can employ to effectively engage their students. In Ghana a substantive set of hands-on STEM content has been created, incorporating locally available materials and cultural approaches while maintaining alignment to the national curricula. Against a backdrop of almost no public primary or junior high schools in the country containing any lab equipment, this approach leverages and celebrates the abundance of what is available within the locality. This challenges narratives of what is considered “good” and recenters power back with those in the classroom. Three sample activities and three firsthand stories are …

"Double Lives," Song Lyrics, Undated, Bill Gessner

Bill Gessner Song Lyrics and Poems

Song lyrics for "Double Lives" by Bill Gessner. Three pages total, including one double-sided sheet of paper. The double-sided pages include typewritten lyrics, with only minor variations. The third, single-sided page has typewritten lyrics, with handwritten notes and revisions, including guitar chords. All pages are undated. The song is about the "double lives" all people lead, including our public vs. private selves and the different lives we lead at home and work.

Community Health Partnership Centers: Strengthening Access To Care In Underserved Communities, Lubeth Pérez, Miguel Jimenez, Xavier Duran, Leonel Vela

Research Colloquium

Purpose: The Community Health Partnership Centers were created through a shared vision and collaboration between UTRGV and its community partners to address health disparities in the Rio Grande Valley. Located in La Victoria, San Carlos, and Southmost, these centers provide accessible, affordable care embedded within neighborhoods that have historically faced barriers to healthcare. As part of the UTRGV School of Medicine’s mission to transform the health of the Rio Grande Valley through innovative education, community service, and high-quality, patient-centered care, the centers also serve as clinical training sites designed to cultivate a diverse healthcare workforce that is informed by and …

Misleading Elevated Psa Following Recent Prostate Manipulation: A Case Report And Review Of Appropriate Psa Screening, Luis Salcedo, Catherine Matos, Mohammad Aqueel

Research Colloquium

We present a case highlighting the pitfalls of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing shortly after prostate manipulation. A patient with obstructive uropathy and acute kidney injury underwent Foley catheter placement and was subsequently found to have a PSA of 261 ng/mL. A prostate biopsy revealed no evidence of malignancy. This case underscores the importance of timing and indications for PSA testing in outpatient settings and reinforces current screening guidelines.

Significant Association Discovered Between State Of Residence And The Acquisition Of Cervical Cancer Therapies Among Hispanics In Texas, California, And New York, Lois F. Baldado, Learsi R. De Hoyos, Shizue Mito

Research Colloquium

Background: Cervical cancer ranks 4th as the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide [1]. Within the United States, it is the third most common gynecological cancer [2]. Hispanic females had the highest incidence rate of cervical carcinoma between 2001 to 2018 [3]. Between 2017 and 2021, the incidence rate of cervical cancer in Hispanic females was 36% higher compared to White females [4].

The purpose of this retrospective study is to screen for a potential association between state residence in Texas, California, and New York and the acquisition of cervical cancer treatments among Hispanic women. We hypothesized there is a …

Remimazolam: Insight On Cellular Drug Action, Clinical Utilization, And Comparison To Well Known Anesthetics, Lois F. Baldado, Kaitlyn Ybanez, Daniela Ramos, David Sta Maria, Arjun Bellamkonda, Amin Ibrahim, Hugo Zamarron, Daniela Gonzalez, Angel Phillip, Sriya Gullapalli, Linwei Li, Jocelyn Torres, Annu Karithara, Jennifer Escamilla, Phyllis Yang, Shizue Mito

Research Colloquium

Background: Propofol and midazolam are routinely used as general anesthetics to enable optimal working conditions during surgical procedures. However, new evidence suggests their potential neurotoxic side effects in young pediatric and geriatric patients, such as long-term morphological and functional brain changes. Remimazolam, an intravenous anesthetic that was initially approved for general adult anesthesia by the FDA in 2020, gained attention for its potential in pediatric anesthesia [2]. Furthermore, the favorable safety profile of remimazolam may contribute to reducing the incidence of postoperative complications in pediatric and elderly populations [6]. This abstract aims to provide a current analysis of remimazolam: its …

Precision Medicine And Beyond: Evolving Roles Of Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy, And Artificial Intelligence In Oncology, Linwei Li, Anika Doppalapudi, Jennifer Escamilla, Annu Karithara, Christine Pham, Angel Phillip, Anjali Binoy, Sriya Gullapalli, Lois Baldado, Arjun Bellamkonda, Daniela Gonzalez, Amin Ibrahim, Daniela Ramos, David Sta. Maria, Kaitlyn Ybanez, Hugo Zamarron, Shizue Mito

Research Colloquium

Background: Precision medicine in oncology is an evolving therapeutic approach that leverages genetic, clinical, and biomarker data to tailor treatments to individual patients. This review explores the three core pillars of modern precision oncology: targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into clinical practice. Targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates, selectively inhibit molecular pathways involved in tumor growth. While conventional chemotherapy remains the backbone of treatment and has improved remission rates, its cytotoxic nature limits broader applicability and increases the risk of comorbidities. Immunotherapies, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies, have …

Deprescribing And Polypharmacy In Heart Failure Patients Aged 80 Years And Older: A Case Report, Learsi R. De Hoyos, Elizabeth Mills-Reyes, Chelsea Chang

Research Colloquium

Background: Since 2004, the number of adults aged 65 and older has increased by 5.6%. With a growing geriatric population, medical management should maximize benefits and minimize risks. Polypharmacy, defined as the concurrent use of 5 or more medications, is a common concern in older adults. In adults 80 years and older, the prevalence of polypharmacy is 67.1%. Among adults with heart disease, the prevalence of polypharmacy increased from 40.6% to 61.7% between 2000 and 2018. In the context of heart failure, guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) includes beta-blockers, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 …

"Singing Woody Guthrie," Song Lyrics, 1977, Bill Gessner

Bill Gessner Song Lyrics and Poems

Song lyrics for "Singing Woody Guthrie" by Bill Gessner. Two single-sided sheets of paper, which include typed and hand-written lyrics. The page with typed lyrics includes a few hand-written marks and notes and is dated "Sept, Oct, 1977." The song describes a community of folk music artists and the performers whose music they admire and hope to preserve, including Woody Guthrie and Chuck Berry. Many other musicians are mentioned by name and Gessner makes a specific reference to Guthrie's song, "Pastures of Plenty."

Analyses Of Nafld And Nash Transcriptome Reveal Unique Differentially Regulated Rnas And Cellular Pathways, Karla Perez, Frida Delgadillo, Subramanian Dhandayuthapani, Murali Yallapu, Subhash Chauhan, Enrique Ramos, Shrikanth Gadad

Research Colloquium

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a progressive metabolic disorder affecting the liver, which can lead to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent transcriptomic analyses have identified pathways that may be critical in disease progression and could serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets. However, those studies were limited to transcripts encoding proteins, neglecting over 70% of the genome, which is composed of non-coding transcripts. Therefore, it is essential to reanalyze the transcriptomic data in an unbiased manner from normal, NAFLD, and NASH patient liver samples to identify transcripts with limited coding potential. These …

A Unique Case Of Limbic Encephalitis In The Rio Grande Valley, A Case Report, Osiris Fernandez-Betances, Kevin A. Garcia Valdez

Research Colloquium

Background: Limbic encephalitis (LE) is a rare but increasingly recognized autoimmune subtype of encephalitis that primarily affects the limbic system, which includes the medial temporal lobe, hippocampus, frontobasal, and cingulate cortex. LE was initially believed to cause inflammation restricted to the limbic region; however, subsequent studies have shown that the disease process can extend to other brain areas, resulting in a wide range of neurological and psychiatric manifestations.

Case Presentation: We present the case of a 64-year-old Hispanic male with multiple emergency department visits due to progressive neurologic symptoms. From late November of 2023 to January of 2024, the patient …

Misleading Hematochezia In Cirrhosis: Avoiding The Rectal Varices Trap. A Case Report, Kashif Ali, Valeska Balderas

Research Colloquium

Duodenal diverticular bleeding (DDB) is a rare cause of acute hematochezia, particularly in patients with liver cirrhosis, accounting for less than 0.14% of cases. We report an 80-year-old female with non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis and recent esophageal variceal ligation who presented with bright red rectal bleeding and hemodynamic instability. Initial suspicion was rectal variceal bleeding; however, endoscopic evaluation revealed a bleeding diverticulum in the second part of the duodenum. Hemostasis was successfully achieved with endoscopic clipping. DDB, especially in the juxta-papillary region, poses diagnostic challenges due to its rarity and nonspecific presentation. Early identification is critical, as more than half of …