Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Fat Distribution And Differential Effects On Metabolic Liver Fat Infiltration In Young Mexicans In Reynosa, Mexico: A Collaborative Study Across The U.S.-Mexico Border, Esperanza Milagros Garcia-Oropesa, Adriana Leticia Perales-Torres, Estrella Martinez-Lopez, Claudia Munguia-Cisneros, Edna Nava-Gonzalez, Monserrat Perez-Navarro, Marisol Rosas-Diaz, Neyla Baltazar, Alvaro Diaz-Badillo, Octelina Castillo-Ruiz, Joselin Hernandez-Ruiz, Srinivas Mummidi, Laura Yanneth Ramirez-Quintanilla, Carlos Ramirez-Pfeiffer, Juan Carlos Lopez-Alvarenga

Research Symposium

Introduction: Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a descriptive term for NAFLD (Non-alcoholic) physiopathology associated with obesity. The age of onset linked to body fat distribution is poorly studied. Therefore, we aimed to assess the body fat effect on liver fat infiltration and stiffness (LSt) mediated by insulin resistance (IR).

Methods: After obtaining informed consent, five hundred freshmen from two universities in Reynosa, Mexico (UMAN & UAT) were enrolled in the study. They completed a questionnaire focused on familial cardiometabolic risk and provided anthropometric measurements. In a subset of N=200, we obtained blood samples for biochemical measurements, body fat percentage …

Developing An Assay For Easy And Rapid Detection Of Als Biomarker(S): A Hypothesis, Swati Dhasmana, Anupam Dhasmana, Meena Jaggi, Murali M. Yallapu, Subhash C. Chauhan

Research Symposium

Background: Death of motor neurons is the key pathology underlying neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Biomarkers are chemical changes in the biological fluids. Biomarkers serving as a diagnostic tool should be specific to the concerned disease. Biomarkers indicating disease progression should be very sensitive to demonstrate changes during the disease process as well as therapeutics development. Biomarkers proposed for ALS include poly (GP) repeats in C9orf72, neurofilaments, miRNAs, glutathione and 4HNE in CSF, SOD1/TDP43 protein, poly (GP) repeats in C9orf72, neurofilaments, T regulatory cells, CRP, chitotriosidase, creatinine, creatinine kinase, miRNAs, glutamate, albumin, uric acid, glutathione, ferritin, …

Variant Of Fii Gene Plays A Critical Role In Coagulation Potential In Mexican-Americans, Hoang Anh T. Nguyen, Shuchita Vijay Jhaveri, Marcio A. Almeida, Vincent P. Diego, Satish Kumar, Juan M. Peralta, Joanne E. Curran, Bernadette W. Luu, Donna M. Lehman, Ralph A. Defronzo, Laura Almasy, Sarah Williams-Blangero, Ravi Duggirala, John Blangero, Tom Howard

Research Symposium

Background: Disruption in the balance between coagulation and bleeding can result in varying phenotypes such as hypercoagulability and can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease. In our study utilizing extended families of Mexican-Americans from South Texas, we performed a search for protein-altering variants influencing coagulation potential.

Methods: Mexican-Americans in the study were genotyped using Illumina-(human)-exome-24 chip to screen for protein-altering variants. Variants were analyzed for their association with FII activity, aPTT, and PT. Linear-mixed-model analysis was performed to estimate trait heritabilities and to interrogate single nucleotide variations (SNV) for evidence of genetic association. To control for multiple testing, associations …

Vitamin D Deficiency Among Children And Adolescents Living In Sunny South Texas, Yoscelina E. Martinez-Lopez, Margarita Faz, Beatriz Tapia, Juan C. Lopez-Alvarenga, Francisco J. Cervantes

Research Symposium

Background: Exposure to sunlight is essential to produce Vitamin D (ViD). Recent studies suggest obesity is associated with low ViD concentration. Living in South Texas with 220 sunny days a year should be enough to maintain adequate ViD levels. We aimed to analyze ViD levels and obesity in children and adolescents.

Methods: We included 1239 pediatric (1.5 to 18.8 years old) participants (primary care clinic from Laredo) with registered CDC percentiles of BMI (pBMI) and serum concentrations of ViD (Atellica™). Data are described as median (p25, p75), Loess correlation between pBMI and ViD, ANCOVA to adjust by age, sex, and …

Covid-19 And Chronic Diabetes: The Perfect Storm For Reactivation Tb?, Genesis P. Aguillón-Durán, Ericka Prieto-Martinez, Doris Ayala, Juan Garcia Jr, John M. Thomas, Juan I. Garcia, Jordi B. Torrelles, Eder Ledezma-Campos, Blanca I. Restrepo

Research Symposium

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is predicted to have a net negative effect on tuberculosis (TB) control, with an estimated excess of 6.3 million tuberculosis cases and 1.4 million deaths by 2025. Programmatic issues like the lockdown of TB services affect all patients, while biosocial factors have a differential impact on an individual’s risk for TB or adverse TB outcomes.

Case presentation: We report three cases of incident TB after resolution of COVID-19 episodes.Coincidently, all cases shared a common risk factor: a chronic history poorly-controlled diabetes.

Conclusions: Our findings alert to the threat posed by …

Characterization Of Epithelial Growth Factor Transcripts Identified In Crotalus Atrox Venom, Ivan Lopez, Ying Jia

Research Symposium

Epithelial Growth Factor (EGF) is the primary source in regeneration and stimulation of essential fibroblasts cells commonly found in epithelium. Studies have shown that snake venom components are becoming a growing factor in treating illnesses such as cancer, muscular dystrophy, chronic pain, blood pressure, blood clotting, etc. EGF in human cells contains a promising quaternary structure that can bind to snake venom metalloproteinases, proposing a means of activating biochemical responses through protein-protein interactions to regulate unwanted cellular functions. This supports promising research in achieving a greater understanding of regulation along cellular pathways through ligands, increasing the likelihood of targeting unwanted …

A Natural Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probe For Cancer Cell Imaging, Benilde E. Adriano, Nycol M. Cotto, Neeraj Chauhan, Meena Jaggi, Subhash C. Chauhan, Murali M. Yallapu

Research Symposium

Background: Rio Grande Valley (RGV) suffers from a high prevalence of certain cancers and lack the resources for accurate early diagnosis. Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence-based imaging is a noteworthy and safer strategy for cancer detection compared to radiological imaging. There are several NIR dyes including indocyanine green (ICG) and its analogues that allow high-resolution and deep tissue imaging. However, these dyes possess some drawbacks, namely photo instability, toxicity, poor water solubility, and short half-lives. Chlorophyll (Chl) is a natural dietary and biocompatible NIR fluorescent substance which has the potential to serve as a cancer NIR imaging candidate. Hence, we aim to …

A Very Di-Still-Ed Diagnosis- Adult-Onset Still’S Disease Presenting In A Middle-Aged Hispanic Patient, Christine E. Loftis, Juan Naranjo, Shadi Jafari-Esfahani, Andrew Guerra, Emilia C. Dulgheru

Research Symposium

Background: Adult-Onset Still’s Disease (AOSD) is a systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by daily high fevers, arthritis, evanescent rash, and leukocytosis (1). Patients can present without typical manifestations and pose a challenging differential. We present a case of a 52-year-old gentleman with a one-year history of recurring fever, lymphadenopathy, and weight loss diagnosed with AOSD. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge that AOSD poses and the strategies to help aid in the diagnosis.

Case Presentation: A 52-year-old gentleman presented to the ED for a 2-week history of fever associated with chills and bone pain. He reported that he has been having …

Morgellons Disease, Yaya L. Besong

Research Symposium

Background: A case of a patient who was been diagnosed with Morgellons disease, a rare disease, and an interesting case because of the uniqueness of its presentation. The analysis of this case is important because it will help to point out some of the characteristics that can be used to identify this disease. My patient in this paper did demonstrate in front of the doctor and myself, foreign material extruding from her skin and inside her mouth. The patient has also suffered severe distress with nonhealing skin ulcerations and excruciating pain. The paper will examine existing literature on Morgellons disease …

Characterization Of Prostate Cancer In Transgender Women, Simita Gaglani, Rajveer Purohit, Ashutosh Tewari, Dara Lundon, Natasha Kyprianou

Research Symposium

Background: The risk of developing prostate cancer (PC) in transgender women is unknown. Many patients are unaware that the prostate is not removed during male-to-female surgical transition. It is unclear what the exposure of estrogens and androgen blockers in these transgender patients has on the prostate. Our aim was to examine and characterize the different presentations of PC in published cases and augment this with an additional case series from one institute.

Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively maintained medical records was performed identifying features of PC diagnoses in transgender women. These included age, duration of feminizing hormone therapy, PSA …

The Importance Of A Broad Differential Diagnosis: Hepatitis C Virus Associated Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis, Shadi Jafari-Esfahani, Christine E. Loftis, Juan Naranjo, Emilia Dulgheru

Research Symposium

Introduction: Mixed cryoglobulinemia syndrome (MCS) is a systemic inflammatory syndrome affecting small-medium sized vessels due to the presence of type II or III cryoglobulins in the serum. MSC can manifest as systemic vasculitis with symptoms varying from weakness, arthralgia, palpable purpura, peripheral neuropathy, and renal involvement. The most common cause of MCS includes lymphoproliferative disorders, autoimmune diseases and viral infections, with hepatitis C virus (HCV) being the most common etiology.

Case Presentation: A 60-year-old lady was referred to our office for evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis. She reported history of bilateral thumb pain, bilateral knee pain associated with episodes of swelling, …

Granulomatous Mastitis: A Rare Or An Underdiagnosed Disease?, Shadi Jafari-Esfahani, Juan Naranjo, Christine E. Loftis, Emilia Dulgheru

Research Symposium

Introduction:Granulomatous mastitis (GM) is a benign chronic inflammatory breast disease that is poorly understood, with no universal agreement on underlying etiologies and treatment protocol. The proposed etiologies include trauma, metabolic processes, hormonal changes, autoimmune disorders, and infections. This entity commonly presents with unilateral painful firm and erythematous breast mass, and less frequently with areolar retraction, fistula formation and ulceration. The disease is more common in Hispanic and Asian population. Due to its inflammatory nature, the mainstay of treatment includes a tapered course of high-dose corticosteroid, and methotrexate has proven to be effective in some cases.

Case Presentation: A 47-year-old …

Recognizing Fatal Electrocardiography Rhythm Changes In A Patient With Severe Hyperkalemia And Prevention Of Cardiac Arrest With Medical Management In Small Hospitals, Semenawit B. Burka, Eduardo Flores, Johnathan Gyebi-Agyepong

Research Symposium

Background: Hyperkalemia is one of the most potentially lethal electrolyte disorders. Severe hyperkalemia is defined as a serum potassium level of >6.5 mEq/L. The risk of arrhythmias increases with potassium values >6.5 mEq/L. Small elevation above this value can cause peaked T waves to quickly progress to ventricular fibrillation or asystole. The longer the patient has elevated potassium concentrations, the greater the risk of sudden deterioration. Therefore, recognizing ECG changes and acting quickly to decrease potassium concentration is important to prevent hyperkalemic cardiac arrest.

Case Presentation: A 26-Year-old man with a history of congenital hypoaldosteronism presented to the emergency department …

A Case Report: A Patient Rescued By Va-Ecmo After Cardiac Arrest Triggered By Trigeminocardiac Reflex After Nasal Surgery, Xu Zhang, Bin Sun, Chen Pac-Soo, Daqing Ma, Liwei Wang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Rationale:

Cardiac arrest (CA) caused by trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) after endoscopic nasal surgery is rare. Hence, when a patient suffers from TCR induced CA in the recovery room, most doctors may not be able to find the cause in a short time, and standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation and resuscitation measures may not be effective. Providing circulatory assistance through venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) can help healthcare providers gain time to identify the etiology and initiate symptom-specific treatment.

Patient concerns:

We report a rare case of CA after endoscopic nasal surgery treated with VA-ECMO.

Diagnoses:

We excluded myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, allergies, …

Neurologic Outcomes For Adult Spinal Cord Ependymomas Stratified By Tumor Location: A Retrospective Cohort Study And 2-Year Outlook, Keanu Chee, Grégoire P Chatain, Michael W Kortz, Stephanie Serva, Keshari Shrestha, Timothy H Ung, Jens-Peter Witt, Michael Finn

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

Determine whether craniocaudal spinal cord tumor location affects long-term neurologic outcomes in adults diagnosed with spinal ependymomas (SE). A retrospective cohort analysis of patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent surgical resection for SE over a ten-year period was conducted. Tumor location was classified as cervical, thoracic, or lumbar/conus. Primary endpoints were post-operative McCormick Neurologic Scale (MNS) scores at < 3 days, 6 weeks, 1 year, and 2 years. One-way ANOVA was performed to detect significant differences in MNS scores between tumor locations. Twenty-eight patients were identified. The average age was 44.2 ± 15.4 years. Sixteen were male, and 13 were female. There were 10 cervical-predominant SEs, 13 thoracic-predominant SEs, and 5 lumbar/conus-predominant SEs. No significant differences were observed in pre-operative MNS scores between tumor locations (p = 0.73). One-way ANOVA testing demonstrated statistically significant differences in post-operative MNS scores between tumor locations at < 3 days (p = 0.03), 6 weeks (p = 0.009), and 1 year (p = 0.003); however, no significant difference was observed between post-operative MNS scores at 2 years (p = 0.13). The mean MNS score for patients with thoracic SEs were higher at all follow-up time points. Tumors arising in the thoracic SE are associated with worse post-operative neurologic outcomes in comparison to SEs arising in other spinal regions. This is likely multifactorial in etiology, owing to both anatomical differences including spinal cord volume as well as variations in tumor characteristics. No significant differences in 2-year MNS scores were observed, suggesting that patients ultimately recover from neurological insult sustained at the time of surgery.

Heterogenous Lung Inflammation Ct Patterns Distinguish Pneumonia And Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Pneumonitis And Complement Blood Biomarkers In Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Proof Of Concept, Muhammad Aminu, Naval Daver, Myrna C B Godoy, Girish Shroff, Carol Wu, Luis F Torre-Sada, Alberto Goizueta, Vickie R Shannon, Saadia A Faiz, Mehmet Altan, Guillermo Garcia-Manero, Hagop Kantarjian, Farhad Ravandi-Kashani, Tapan Kadia, Marina Konopleva, Courtney Dinardo, Sherry Pierce, Aung Naing, Sang T Kim, Dimitrios P Kontoyiannis, Fareed Khawaja, Caroline Chung, Jia Wu, Ajay Sheshadri

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) may cause pneumonitis, resulting in potentially fatal lung inflammation. However, distinguishing pneumonitis from pneumonia is time-consuming and challenging. To fill this gap, we build an image-based tool, and further evaluate it clinically alongside relevant blood biomarkers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied CT images from 97 patients with pneumonia and 29 patients with pneumonitis from acute myeloid leukemia treated with ICIs. We developed a CT-derived signature using a habitat imaging algorithm, whereby infected lungs are segregated into clusters ("habitats"). We validated the model and compared it with a clinical-blood model to determine whether imaging can add …

Vadadustat For Treatment Of Anemia In Patients With Dialysis-Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis, Mark J Sarnak, Rajiv Agarwal, Neil Boudville, Pradip C P Chowdhury, Kai-Uwe Eckardt, Carlos R Gonzalez, Laura A Kooienga, Mark J Koury, Kwabena A Ntoso, Wenli Luo, Patrick S Parfrey, Dennis L Vargo, Wolfgang C Winkelmayer, Zhiqun Zhang, Glenn M Chertow

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: Hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors such as vadadustat may provide an oral alternative to injectable erythropoiesis-stimulating agents for treating anemia in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis. In two randomized (1:1), global, phase 3, open-label, sponsor-blind, parallel-group, active-controlled noninferiority trials in patients with dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (INNO2VATE), vadadustat was noninferior to darbepoetin alfa with respect to cardiovascular safety and hematological efficacy. Vadadustat's effects in patients receiving only peritoneal dialysis is unclear.

METHODS: We conducted a post hoc analysis of patients in the INNO2VATE trials receiving peritoneal dialysis at baseline. The prespecified primary safety endpoint was time to first major cardiovascular …

Erk Required For Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Tlr4 Internalization In Macrophages, Sara M. Reyna, Phoebe Fang-Mei Chang

Research Symposium

Background: Insulin resistance is associated with low circulating levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Binding of LPS to Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) leads to the internalization and trafficking of TLR4 resulting in activation of downstream signaling pathways. TLR4 internalization in macrophages leads to the activation of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways and production of factors linked to the development of insulin resistance. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1 and 2) are activated downstream of TLR4 and are associated with insulin resistance. We hypothesized that ERK1 and ERK2 regulate TLR4 internalization in macrophages when exposed to LPS.

Methods: We examined whether inhibition …

A Moyamoya Case Report On A Patient With Slurred Speech And Right-Hand Weakness, Priyasha Suri, Mery Bartl, Don Rajan, Natalia Pinto, Daniela Hernandez

Research Symposium

Background: Moyamoya angiopathy (MMA) is a cerebrovascular disease affecting about one in a million people. It is characterized by progressive stenosis of the terminal portion of the internal carotid arteries leading to cerebral hypo-perfusion which in turn induces neo-angiogenesis in the deep parts of the brain. Patients are predisposed to ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Diagnosis is usually made with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) to evaluate the brain and its blood vessels. Symptomatic patients should undergo surgical interventions. A few studies have shown that the superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass combined with …

Without A Rash! A Diagnostic Dilemma For Vzv Vasculopathy, Paulina Vega Enriquez, Jose E. Campo Maldonado

Research Symposium

Varicella zoster virus vasculopathy is a condition that can classically present with a dermatomal zoster rash followed by a neurological deficit. The possible neurological manifestations and disease range are extensive. Diagnosis becomes more challenging in patients whose presentation does not include a rash, often causing cognitive errors and delay in treatment. We present a case of an 85-year-old patient, who developed stroke-like symptoms, initially with normal MRI, to later progress to multiple evolving enhancing lesions seen in subsequent MRIs. This case also represents the anchoring, that we as physicians can have when a patient with risk factors for stroke or …

Taking The Load Off: Device Lead-Induced Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation And Right-Sided Heart Failure Treated With Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (Tavi), Nina Shyama Appareddy, Michaela Iglesia, Ayman Khaddam, Henry Kwang, Eduardo Flores

Research Symposium

Background: Interference of device leads with closure of the tricuspid leaflets can cause severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and right-sided heart failure, as can heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and left sided valve disease. We report a case treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with improved TR.

Case: A 78-year-old male with coronary artery disease status post remote myocardial infarction and coronary bypass, HFrEF with left ventricular ejection fraction 35-40%, and inducible ventricular tachycardia status post AICD placement presented with worsening dyspnea on exertion, easy fatigue, lower extremity edema, anasarca and abdominal bloating. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated severe aortic …

Subtotal Iliac Vein Occlusion Secondary To May-Thurner Syndrome, Nina Shyama Appareddy, Jose Ramos, Usman Sheriff

Research Symposium

Background: May Thurner Syndrome (MTS), an anatomical variant present in over 20% of the population, can present with iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT) caused by compression of the common iliac vein by the adjacent iliac artery.

Case: An 86 year old male with coronary artery disease presented with left lower extremity swelling. Ultrasound revealed acute iliofemoral region DVT. This clot, extending from the groin to the ankle, placed him at high risk for pulmonary embolism and post-thrombotic syndrome.

Decision-making: Patient was placed on heparin drip. Venogram performed at 48 hours showed extensive clot in the superficial femoral, common femoral and …

Socio-Contextual Factors Predicting Pericardial Effusion And Mortality In Patients With Confirmed Sars-Cov2 In A South Texas Hospital. A Preliminary Analysis, Nina Shyama Appareddy, Cesar Peralta, Juan Carlos Alvarenga, Charles Mild

Research Symposium

Introduction: Few pericardial effusion (PEf) cases have been reported in the literature amongst adult hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV2. The goal of our study is to determine the frequency and risk factors of PEf amongst adult hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV2 and its effect on mortality.

Methods: This preliminary analysis included 48 consecutive patients with confirmed SARS-CoV2 admitted from 08/01-08/31/2021. Socio-demographic data and risk factors for coronary artery disease were recorded. Echocardiography was reviewed for evidence of PEf. A comparison of patients with effusion, no effusion, and no echo was performed with chi-square, t-test, ANOVA, and probability of death using logistic regression …

Alzheimer’S Disease Studies In The Tex-Mex Border: Dissecting A Complex Multifactorial Problem, Ney Alliey-Rodriguez, Rosa V. Pirela, Alvaro Diaz-Badillo, Karla Lopez Lorenzo, Noe Garza, Frank Gilliam, Eron G. Manusov, Gladys E. Maestre

Research Symposium

Purpose: Alzheimer’s Disease (ALZ) is the leading cause of dementia in the aging population, and Latinos have >3 times higher risk to develop dementia than the overall US population. Although several studies have examined for possible causes of this increased risk, lack of comprehensive information plus a reduced number of Latino samples available in each study have hindered the answers.

Description: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has joined two large studies looking for multiple biomarkers associated with ALZ: The South Texas Alzheimer’s Center Clinical Data Repository and Biobank (STAC) and the Texas Alzheimer’s Research and Care Consortium (TARCC). …

Clinical Characteristics And Risk Factors For Mortality During The 'First Wave' Of Covid-19 In Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Luis G. Vargas Garcia, Francisco E. Díaz Cisneros, Antonio Gutiérrez Sierra, Juan Rosales Martínez, Manlio F. Lara Duck, Netzahualcoyotl Mayek Pérez

Research Symposium

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted public health in Mexico. As of February 2020, there have been at least four "waves" of contagion that resulted in 5.82 million positive cases and more than 325 thousand deaths. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, hospital and population-based information was available, frequently with non-specific symptoms. Little was known about the risk factors for mortality in specific conditions. We described the clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 in Reynosa, Tamaulipas during 2020 and identified the risk factors for mortality.

Methods: The COVID-19 cases registered from March to November 2020 in Reynosa were divided …

Unusual Inflammatory Presentation For Locally Advanced Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma, Ana I. Vargas, Samuel K. Snyder

Research Symposium

Background: Thyroid cancer usually presents as a thyroid nodule. If the history implies rapid growth of the nodule, new onset hoarseness or presence of ipsilateral cervical lymphadenopathy then it should raise concern for malignancy. Deep neck infection/inflammation has rarely been reported as initial presentation and these patients are potentially misdiagnosed.

Case Presentation: We present a 56-year-old male who comes to clinic for evaluation of left neck nodule. He started two weeks prior with sudden neck swelling associated with erythema and pain in his lower neck that caused choking sensation and swallowing discomfort, he was prescribed Bactrim and prednisone with improvement …

Understanding The Resources, Barriers, Facilitators And Interests About Aging And Dementia Research Of Community Members From The Rio Grande Valley, Karla Daniela Lopez Lorenzo, Rosa V. Pirela Mavarez, Gabriela Osuna, Kendra Stine, Nathalie Chacon, Noe Garza, Gladys E. Maestre

Research Symposium

Background: One of ten people aged 65 develops Alzheimer’s Disease and it is one of the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is mostly constituted by Hispanic/Latinos (93%), a population that has a 1.5X increased risk of AD onset. Nevertheless, there are not enough resources to support people living with dementia and their care partners. This study will leverage research efforts deployed by the RGV Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center for Minority Aging Research to understand the social representations about the resources, barriers, facilitators, and interests of the RGV community about dementia and Alzheimer’s …

Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia In A Patient With Long Standing Behcet’S Syndrome, Juan C. Naranjo, Shadi J. Estefahani, Christine E. Loftis, Emilia Dulgheru

Research Symposium

Background: Behcet’s syndrome (BS) is a multisystemic disease that frequently manifests as oral and genital ulcers. Pulmonary involvement occurs in approximately 18% of patients and can have complex clinical manifestations, including vascular disease, hemorrhage, infarctions, and organizing pneumonia. Broad-spectrum radiological findings like loss of lung volume, lung opacities, and indistinct nodular or reticular lesions have been described. There is little data on the association between Behcet’s disease and eosinophilic pneumonitis; the latest is usually characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the lung parenchyma caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to an inhaled antigen. Patients usually present with nonproductive cough, dyspnea, fever, and …

That Which Keeps On Giving - A Case Of Class Iv Diffuse Proliferative Lupus Nephritis In A Hispanic Woman With Underlying Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Josenny L. Rodriguez-Paez, Christine E. Loftis, Rosa White-Guedez

Research Symposium

Background: Glomerulonephritis is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Lupus nephritis is characterized by immune complex deposition in the mesangium leading to complement activation and hypocomplementemia. Studies show that up to 60% of adults with lupus develop renal involvement and it has been well established that Hispanic patients show poorer outcomes than Caucasians despite advances in treatment. Preserved kidney function with new-onset proteinuria should raise clinical suspicion for acute lupus nephritis. Further evaluation with a kidney biopsy is paramount in establishing a diagnosis, helping to define treatment strategy, and determining response to treatment.

Case …

Improvement Of Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Of Diabetic Patients Seen At The Internal Medicine Clinic​​, Jorge Nadal, Carol Soler, Mery Bartl, Jose Gomez, Michelle Lopez, Blesset Alexander, Gabriel Lora, Azucena Del Real, Maria Pesantez, Sergio Saenz, Jorge A. Bernal

Research Symposium

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision loss globally. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimated the global population with diabetes to be 463 million in 2019 and 700 million in 2045. Retinopathy is a highly specific neurovascular complication of both type 1 and types 2 diabetes, and the prevalence strongly correlates to both the duration of diabetes and the level of glycemic control. Regular follow-up with early detection and treatment of vision-threatening retinopathy enables the prevention of up to 98% of visual loss due to diabetic retinopathy.