Digital Commons Network^™

Investigating Potential Alzheimer's Disease Therapies Through An Agent-Based Model Of Impaired Microglia Metabolismmodeling Impaired Microglia Metabolism, Cheyenne Ty, Abigail Penland, John Gerving, Martin Mendoza-Ceja, Megan Pratt, Kamila Larripa

Spora: A Journal of Biomathematics

Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia globally and is marked by amyloid-β plaque accumulation, decreased brain pH, disrupted metabolism, and increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier. Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, are essential for maintaining brain homeostasis and are critically involved in the progression of AD. While microglia can initiate protective immune responses to injury and disease, dysregulated microglial metabolism may contribute to the exacerbation of Alzheimer's pathology. To investigate potential therapeutic strategies, we developed an agent-based model simulating the effects of exercise and metabolic enhancement on dysfunctional microglia. Our findings suggest that …

Slc1a5 As A Prognostic Biomarker: Insights From Transcriptomic And Clinical Data In Cervical Cancer, Veronica O'Brien, Vivek Kashyap, Bhuvnesh Sharma, Murali Yallapu, Everardo Cobos, Subhash Chauhan

Research Colloquium

Background: Cervical cancer is the 4^th leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Cervical cancer is primarily caused by high-risk strains of the HPV virus. HPV upregulates oncoproteins E6 and E7, disrupting p53 and pRb functions. Several databases, including the Human Genome Atlas, Tumor Immune Estimation Resource, UALCAN, and COSMIC show increased SLC1A5 expression in cervical cancer. SLC1A5, also known as the alanine-serine-cysteine transporter, is a major transporter of glutamine and is found on the cell membrane. Our goal is to investigate the role of SLC1A5 in cervical cancer.

Methods: SLC1A5 mRNA expression in cervical cancer was examined using the …

The Interplay Of Cytokine Expression, Cardiac Phenotype, And Heritability In Cardiovascular Health In Mexican Americans., Veronica O'Brien, Ana Leandro, Marcio Almeida, John Blangero, Joanne Curran

Research Colloquium

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, and the Hispanic population has a significantly higher risk of developing CVD. In this study, we measured plasma cytokine levels, lipidomic data, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) in individuals from the San Antonio Family Heart Study (SAFHS). Statistical analysis was implemented to determine the heritability, the correlation between cytokine expression and cardiac phenotype and lipid and cardiac phenotype.

Methods: We analyzed frozen plasma samples from 254 participants using the MILLIPLEX Human Cytokine/Chemokine/Growth Factor Panel A Magnetic Bead Panel. The panel included GM-CSF, IFNg, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, …

Ybx1-Mediated Activation Of Srebp2 Drives Sorafenib Resistance Via Cholesterol Biosynthesis In Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Veerababu Nagati, Dennis Kwabiah, Yamile Abuchard, Ana Ayala Pazzi, Shaibir Hussain, Salique H. Shaham, Manish Tripathi

Research Colloquium

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive, largely chemo-resistant cancer with a poor prognosis and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Currently, there is no effective systemic chemotherapy for HCC. Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor commonly used as the first-line treatment for advanced HCC. However, acquired drug resistance significantly limits its clinical effectiveness. The Y-box binding protein (YBX1) is an oncogenic RNA-binding protein found to be upregulated in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells and tissues.

Methods: HCC model SK Hep1, YBX1 overexpression, and knockdown cells were prepared by transient transfection with puromycin selection, and stable cell lines were established through …

Ocular Blood Flow And Retinal Vascular Reactivity In Alzheimer’S Disease: A Systematic Review Of Retinal Images, Tori Sayers, Alexa Nichols, Amin Ibrahim, Igor Zwir, Andrew Tsin, Lorena Flores-Hernandez, Gladys E. Maestre, Jesus D. Melgarejo

Research Colloquium

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States¹. Research efforts aim to identify pathological changes that may help support earlier detection of AD and lead to more accessible tools for monitoring disease progression². The retina is being explored as a potential non-invasive marker of AD, reflecting the shared embryology and microvasculature features between the retina and the brain. Although research has focused on structural changes in retinal vessel diameters and density, few studies have evaluated functional markers of retinal …

The Role Of Exosomes In Diagnosis And Therapy Of Pancreatic Cancer, Theresa M. Biju, Anika Doppalapudi, Daniel Zubieta, Rajasekhar Baru, Fnu Shabnam, Murali M. Yallapu, Mohammed Sikander, Subhash C. Chauhan

Research Colloquium

Background: Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of death from cancer and is predicted to affect 67,440 people globally in 2025. Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is almost synonymous with mortality due to late diagnosis. CA 19-9, the only FDA approved biomarker currently used to diagnose pancreatic cancer, has low sensitivity and specificity at the earlier stage of cancer presentation. Due to the aggressive nature of pancreatic cancer in combination with the lack of identifiable markers, the need to develop new markers specific to pancreatic cancer is highly pertinent. Exosomes are extracellular vehicles that have been utilized by cancer cells …

Evaluating Sglt2-Inhibitor Prescribing In Hospitalized Congestive Heart Failure Patients At A Community Teaching Hospital, Duc Khiem Ngo, Tejaswini Swamy, Carlos Alejos Aguero, Sobia Hassan Memon, Laura E. Garcia, Carlos Ramos

Research Colloquium

Background: Heart failure (HF) remains a major contributor to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs worldwide, particularly in underserved populations. Effective, evidence-based management is crucial to halting disease progression, reducing hospital readmissions, and enhancing quality of life. SGLT2 inhibitors have demonstrated significant clinical benefit in heart failure with both reduced and preserved ejection fraction, regardless of diabetes status. Despite strong guideline support, real-world prescription rates remain suboptimal. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to evaluate current prescribing patterns of SGLT2 inhibitors in hospitalized CHF patients at Valley Baptist Medical Center (VBMC), identify documentation gaps and barriers, and assess internal medicine residents’ …

Segmenting The Flour Beetle: Rnai Probes Into Embryonic Gene Function In Tribolium Castaneum, Sydney Do, J. Garcia, Ezzat El-Sherif

Research Colloquium

Background: RNA interference (RNAi) silences specific gene expression through the introduction of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). In Tribolium castaneum, RNAi enables precise manipulation of gene activity, allowing researchers to study developmental processes and genetic interactions across all life stages. dsRNA is processed by ribonucleases into small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or microRNAs (miRNAs), which are recruited by the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), which targets and degrades specific mRNA molecules, allowing the observation of loss-of-function phenotypes.

T. castaneum offers advantages as a model for RNAi studies, including a fully annotated genome, a strong RNAi response, ease of application, and gene expression dynamics …

Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis In A Non-Asian Male: A Case Report, Stephen M. Garcia, Ruben Martinez Meza, Aun A. Bangash, Blake C. Martin, Jose Campo Maldonado

Research Colloquium

Background: Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare and potentially life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism, typically affecting adult males of Asian descent. Excess thyroid hormone increases Na+/K+-ATPase activity in skeletal muscle, resulting in a sudden and profound intracellular shift of potassium that leads to acute muscle weakness. Although uncommon in other populations, early recognition of TPP in atypical demographics is crucial to prevent serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Simple, albeit careful, management for these patients includes IV or oral potassium supplementation with nonselective beta-blockers, which rapidly improves patients' clinical status and resolves hypokalemia. Definitive therapy/prevention of TTP is maintaining a …

Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis Masquerading As Refractory Community-Acquired Pneumonia In An Immunocompetent Adult: A Diagnostic Imperative, Stephen M. Garcia, Blake C. Martin, Aun A. Bangash, Gesler Madhere, Mathew Peynado, Jose Campo Maldonado

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a prevalent and often treatable cause of respiratory failure. However, in cases where patients fail to demonstrate clinical improvement, clinicians must reevaluate the initial diagnosis. A key diagnostic pitfall is the failure to identify noninfectious mimics such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), which presents with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH), which also manifests in other etiologies such as microscopic polyangiitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or anti-glomerular basement membrane disease. Prompt recognition and initiation of immunosuppressive therapy is critical for improving clinical outcomes and ultimately decreasing mortality or long-term pulmonary sequelae.

Case Presentation: A previously healthy 35-year-old male …

Interlink Between Genomics By Gtex Portal And Gut Microbiome In Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sriya Gullapalli, Nina Mourao, Tori Sayers, Lois Baldado, Megan W. Szobody, Arjun Bellamkonda, Blake C. Martin, Kory D. Punch, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Anesu Karen Murambadoro, Miguel Quintanilla, Bethany Woolman, Kelsey Baker, Bharathi S. Gadad

Research Colloquium

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by repetitive behaviors, social deficits, and highly restrictive sensory patterns which results from aberrant early-life central nervous system functioning. While ASD has been traditionally associated with molecular genetic alterations, emerging evidence underscores the role of environmental elements. In fact, pathologic genetic variations of key regulator genes coupled with environmental factors, such as: advanced maternal age, poor maternal health during pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus, and altered gut microbiome and/or secondary environmental challenges to the offspring in early childhood have all been attributed to increased risk of developing ASD. In efforts to …

Improving Outcomes In Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease: The Integration Of Wearable Technology And Ai-Driven Analysis, Sophia Moon, Melissa Cruz, Pad Renga

Research Colloquium

Background: Wearable devices such as biosensors and smartwatches have demonstrated clinical utility in arrhythmia detection in adult populations, but their integration into pediatric congenital heart disease (CHD) care remains limited. Despite advances in CHD management, challenges persist in the timely identification of arrhythmias in children. The use of wearables in pediatrics is constrained by research gaps, adherence issues, and complex data interpretation. Traditional tools like Holter monitors and event recorders face limitations in detecting intermittent arrhythmias and ensuring compliance. These devices cannot leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance ECG interpretation. This study analysis evaluates the potential …

Stitching Confidence: A Brief Suturing Workshop For High School Students In A Medically Underserved Region, Smaran Marupudi, Jared Hensley, Blake Martin, Maci D. Oestreich, Jennifer V. Escamilla, Amin Ibrahim, Chloe C. Harris, David Sta. Maria, Kaitlyn D. Ybanez, Jacqueline Moreno, Roberto J. Fraga, Shiza Khan, Natasha N. Quailes, Aun Bangash, Michelle Nwaeri, Maria Villegas

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Foundational clinical skills like suturing are typically introduced during medical school, leaving many pre-health students—especially in underserved regions—without early exposure. This is particularly relevant in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), a medically and dermatologically underserved area of South Texas. Research suggests that early confidence with hands-on skills may influence future interest in procedural and surgical careers. We developed and evaluated a low-resource suturing module for high school students as part of a dermatology outreach event aimed at building early procedural skills and career pipeline interest.

Methods: Tenth-grade students from a public health professions high school in the …

Protecting Those Who Protect Us: A Pilot Skin Cancer Screening And Education Initiative For Firefighters, Smaran Marupudi, Natasha N. Quailes, Miguel Lopez, Maria Villegas Md

Research Colloquium

Background: Firefighters are at elevated risk for skin cancer due to chronic exposure to carcinogens such as soot and combustion byproducts. However, targeted skin cancer prevention efforts in this population are rare. This study evaluated the feasibility and early impact of a firefighter-focused skin cancer screening and educational intervention.

Methods: Firefighters from the Harlingen Fire Department (N = 23 pre-survey; N = 21 post-survey) participated in a free skin cancer screening and educational event. Participants completed pre- and post-surveys assessing skin cancer knowledge (8-item multiple-choice quiz), self-reported confidence in skin self-examinations, perceived risk factors, and support for routine screening. …

Prescribing Happiness: Evaluation Of A Pilot Wellness Speaker Event For Medical Students, Smaran Marupudi, Jared Hensley, Sriya Gullapalli, David Sta. Maria, Nikhilesh Anand

Research Colloquium

Background: Medical students often face high levels of psychological stress due to intense academic workloads and numerous extracurricular activities, thereby leading to a reduction in overall well-being. In response, medical schools are adopting wellness-focused educational changes, though few have been rigorously evaluated. This pilot study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and short-term effects of a single-session speaker event on medical student stress and happiness.

Methods: This study used an anonymous, pre-post design with independent samples to assess changes in perceived stress and happiness before and after a single-session wellness speaker event. First- and second-year medical students completed validated pre- and post-surveys, …

Diet And Dermatology: A Pilot Study Of Skin Health Education Among Adolescents, Smaran Marupudi, Jared Hensley, Kaitlyn Ybanez, Chloe C. Harris, Michelle Nwaeri, Natasha Quailes, Roberto J. Fraga, Jacqueline Moreno, Blake Martin, Aun Bangash, Maci D. Oestreich, Jennifer V. Escamilla, Amin Ibrahim, David Sta. Maria, Shiza Khan, Maria Villegas

Research Colloquium

Background: While the role of nutrition in overall health is widely acknowledged, its impact on skin health is often overlooked in adolescent education. Integrating diet-focused messaging into dermatology outreach may promote a more holistic understanding of skin wellness. This study evaluated the feasibility and early outcomes of a brief educational station on diet and skin health delivered as part of a broader dermatology event for high school students in a predominantly Hispanic community.

Methods: Students from a public health professions high school rotated through a “Diet & Skin Health” station within the Sun Smart Leaders workshop, a multi-station dermatology education …

Brightening Awareness: A Brief School-Based Intervention Improves Sun Safety And Skin Cancer Knowledge, Smaran Marupudi, Jared Hensley, Natasha N. Quailes, Roberto J. Fraga, Jacqueline Moreno, Blake Martin, Michelle Nwaeri, Aun Bangash, Kaitlyn Ybanez, Maci D. Oestreich, Jennifer V. Escamilla, Amin Ibrahim, Chloe C. Harris, David Sta. Maria, Shiza Khan, Maria Villegas

Research Colloquium

Background: Skin cancer is a preventable disease that remains underrecognized among adolescents and Hispanic populations. Misconceptions about personal risk and ineffective sun protection habits persist, contributing to delayed diagnosis and poor outcomes, particularly in underserved communities. This project evaluated the impact of a brief, station-based educational intervention delivered during a dermatology-focused workshop for high school students. The goal was to improve sun safety behaviors, knowledge of skin cancer risk in Hispanic populations, and overall confidence in personal sun protection.

Methods: High school participants rotated through a "Skin Cancer and Sun Safety" station as part of a larger dermatology outreach event. …

Not Every Focal Deficit Is A Stroke: A Case Of Valacyclovir Neurotoxicity In End-Stage Renal Disease, Sikandar Zia, Nida Asif, Elimar Gonzalez, Conrad Chouinard, Cesar Gutierrez

Research Colloquium

Background: Valacyclovir is a widely used antiviral agent for herpesvirus infections. It is a prodrug of acyclovir, which is primarily excreted by the kidneys. In patients with normal renal function, it is well tolerated. However, in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), impaired clearance can lead to the accumulation of the drug and its metabolites, increasing the risk of neurotoxicity. Clinical manifestations include confusion, hallucinations, ataxia, and seizures—often mimicking stroke or viral encephalitis. This case highlights the importance of considering medication toxicity in patients with renal impairment presenting with neurological symptoms.

Presentation: A 57-year-old man …

Does Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (Poem) Restore Esophageal Peristalsis In Patients With Achalasia?, Siddarth Vyas, Marc A. Ward, Brittany Buckmaster, Bola Aladegbami, Christine Wang, Gerald Ogola, Steven G. Leeds

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a treatment for achalasia that effectively reduces lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure. However, the literature lacks clarity on POEM's ability to restore esophageal peristalsis. We aimed to determine whether POEM improves esophageal peristalsis in achalasia patients across different achalasia subtypes and related motility disorders.

Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained, Institutional Review Board-approved, database was conducted for achalasia patients who underwent POEM between January 2015 and December 2023. Inclusion criteria required pre and/or post POEM High-Resolution Manometry (HRM) data. Paired T-tests were used to compare changes in HRM measurements from baseline to …

Color Segmented Fluorescence (“Red Cap”) Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy In Patients With Melanoma: Can It Increase Sensitivity In Sentinel Lymph Node Detection?, Siddarth Vyas, Ala Obaid, Catherine H. Davis, John T. Preskitt

Research Colloquium

Background: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is crucial for staging melanoma and determining metastasis. Indocyanine Green (ICG) has emerged as a promising near-infrared fluorescence (NIF) mapping technique. Recent advancements in NIF imaging systems, specifically with color-segmented fluorescence (termed “Red Capping”), may enhance the detection of positive sentinel lymph nodes. This study aims to compare node positivity rates between ICG alone and ICG combined with Red Capping in melanoma patients undergoing SLNB.

Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained, Institutional Review Board-approved database was performed for melanoma patients who underwent SLNB between July 2018 and September 2024. All patients received …

High Phosphorus Diets And Bone Health: A Hidden Risk​, Sean Corcoran, Daniela Ramos, Mohammed Razzaque

Research Colloquium

Background: As fast food, high in phosphorus content, becomes a staple in the American diet, the population increases its dietary phosphorus intake above the recommended amount. According to the NIH guidelines, adults over 19 years and older are 700mg per day (NIH, 2021, Wickham). For context, a meal consisting of a big cheeseburger, medium fries, and a can of soda contains around 600mg of phosphorus (Arquette, 2014). Although phosphorus is essential for bone health as it is part of the structural component of bones, consuming excess amounts of phosphorus has been linked to vascular calcification, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and …

Enhancing Care Through Culturally Sensitive Interventions For Hispanic/Bilingual Patients Along The Texas-Mexico Border, Samantha N. Solis, Joanna Garza

Research Colloquium

In 2022, Hispanics became the largest racial and ethnic minority in the United States, with a population of 63.7 million, comprising 19.1% of the total population. Despite this significant presence, Hispanic communities continue to face substantial barriers to healthcare, including limited access to services, language challenges, financial constraints, and the stigma surrounding mental health care.

Long Non-Coding Rna Uca1 Regulates Mpc1 Expression To Promote The Warburg Effect And Colorectal Cancer Progression, Salique Hassan Shaham, Ricardo Pequeno Bracho, Manish K. Tripathi

Research Colloquium

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. In 2025, an estimated 154,270 new cases of colon cancer are expected to be diagnosed. CRC is projected to cause approximately 52,900 deaths in the U.S. in 2025, slightly increased from the 52,550 deaths estimated the previous year. Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) continues to have a poor prognosis, with a survival rate of less than 15%. Urothelial cancer-associated 1 (UCA1), a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), is known to be dysregulated in CRC and contributes to tumor …

Geriatric Brittle Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Case Study And Management Strategies, Saba Irfan, Amanda Cantu

Research Colloquium

“Brittle diabetes” describes a form of diabetes marked by severe, unpredictable fluctuations in blood glucose, often leading to frequent episodes of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Though not formally recognized by major diabetes organizations, the term is clinically useful, especially for vulnerable populations such as older adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). Age-related factors—cognitive impairment, mobility limitations, dexterity issues, sensory decline, inconsistent eating habits, and frailty—make glycemic control particularly challenging and require a personalized, multidisciplinary management approach.

We report the case of a 66-year-old Hispanic female with long-standing T1DM, seizure disorder, and osteoporosis. Despite adherence to a prescribed insulin regimen, her …

Back To The Basics: A Case Of The Mundane And Overlooked Cause Of Heart Failure Exacerbation, Roberto J. Fraga, Elizabeth Mills-Reyes, Nestor Malaga

Research Colloquium

Background: Heart failure is one of the most common reasons for hospital admissions among older adults. While healthcare providers often concentrate on medication adherence and complex triggers like ischemia or arrhythmia, this case emphasizes that dietary nonadherence—particularly excessive sodium and fluid intake—can be a significant yet overlooked factor contributing to decompensation.

Case Presentation: An 83-year-old Hispanic woman presented to the emergency department with shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain. Her symptoms and history were highly concerning. A non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) just two months prior was attributed to vasospasm, likely triggered by her nicotine use. Her coronary angiogram …

Ischemic Stroke In A Patient With Atrial Fibrillation Despite Therapeutic Anticoagulation With Rivaroxaban: A Clinical Reminder, Ridwan Ademola Lawal, Angelica Lan Pham

Research Colloquium

Background: Atrial fibrillation is a well-established risk factor for cardioembolic stroke, with anticoagulation significantly reducing this risk. However, breakthrough ischemic strokes can still occur in anti-coagulated patients, with an estimated annual incidence of 1-2% despite appropriate direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) therapy. These rare but consequential events challenge clinicians to maintain high diagnostic vigilance, especially in patients presenting with atypical or subtle neurological symptoms. Here, we present a case of an embolus in a patient on long-term rivaroxaban therapy, underscoring a vital clinical teaching point: therapeutic anticoagulation does not eliminate stroke risk, and homonymous hemianopsia may be the only presenting feature. …

"Cruel Memories," Song Lyrics, Undated, Bill Gessner

Bill Gessner Song Lyrics and Poems

Song lyrics for "Cruel Memories" by Bill Gessner. Seven pages total, including one double-sided page. The typewritten pages include multiple versions of the lyrics, with some pages including handwritten marks and notes; some notes and suggested revisions appear on yellow post-it notes affixed to the sheets of paper. The song is at least partly concerned with changes and restrictions to diet.

Implementing A Specific And Standardized Grading Scale For Therapeutic Injection Site Reactions To Improve Adverse Event Reporting, Priya Kale, Kavita Sarin

Research Colloquium

Up to 15.5% of patients taking biologic medication experience injection site reactions (ISRs) leading to morbidity, early discontinuation, and reduced treatment compliance. As biologic medications are increasingly used to treat chronic inflammatory conditions, including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, there needs to be an improved understanding of ISRs. However, current methods of grading ISRs are nonspecific and unstandardized leading to a lack of understanding of medication-specific ISRs and ambiguity in perceptions of treatment tolerability. Here we aim to develop a standardized ISR grading scale for use in clinical trials. A scoping review was performed to evaluate current ISR grading scales and …

The Sodium Chronicles: Unraveling The Enigma Of Hypothyroidism-Induced Hyponatremia, Raquel Z. Lara, Tejaswini Swamy, Jennifer Rojas Huen, Ricardo Serna

Research Colloquium

Background: Hyponatremia is an electrolyte disturbance with various etiologies, but hypothyroidism is rarely the primary cause. Literature suggests that hypothyroidism-related hyponatremia occurs primarily in severe cases, with some studies suggesting that hypothyroidism should not be considered a sole contributor if TSH levels are below 50 mIU/L. Patients with hyponatremia have a high risk of prolonged hospital stays and readmission, underscoring the clinical importance of identifying uncommon causes such as severe hypothyroidism. This case highlights this rare association, contributing to the existing limited literature.

Case Presentation: A 74-year-old woman with Type 2 Diabetes, complicated nephrotic syndrome and nephropathy, congestive heart failure, …

Comparison Of Cytology And Histology Diagnosis Methods In Metastatic Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer, Phyllis Yang, John Nicholas Cauba, Shizue Mito

Research Colloquium

Background: Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a rare and extremely aggressive form of thyroid cancer that presents as a rapidly enlarging neck mass with compressive symptoms. Its malignancy and mortality rates approach nearly 90% and is a feared transformation of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). A contributor to its increased mortality is its predilection for metastasis, which by nature, is less documented in medical literature. The study of ATC’s diagnostic algorithm, which classically utilizes cytological and histological confirmation, is crucial in enhancing early recognition and atypical presentations.

Methods: This systematic review catalogs the diagnosis, clinical properties, and metastasis sites of anaplastic …