Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Increasing Referrals To Local Resources For The Treatment Of Aud By Increasing Audit-C Usage By Increasing Awareness Of Aud Through Use Of Educational Materials ​, David Ortiz, Gerardo Munoz Monaco

Research Colloquium

Background: One in nine people will suffer from alcohol use disorder, if of legal drinking age. One in nine of our patients might suffer from AUD. Among those suffering from AUD, only 1.6% were found to be treated with evidence-based medications for treatment of AUD. Underdiagnosing may be a reality.

Methods: Evaluate physicians-in-training knowledge regarding AUD at time zero and after 3 months after an educational presentation is giving containing information on AUD diagnosis, treatment, and available local resources. This repeated cross-sectional data analysis aims to increase screening using the AUDIT-C tool, as well as referral/utilization to local resources. Patients …

The Burden Of Diabetes Mellitus In The Medically Underserved Rio Grande Valley, John M. Gaddis, Elias Arellano, Kassandra Pulido, Tyler Torres, Dominic Chau-Zanetti, Natasha Quailes, Andres Suarez Parraga

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) encompasses metabolic disorders characterized by elevated blood sugar. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and associated metrics of DM in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), a low-income and medically underserved region in the United States, and compare these metrics to the national averages from 2012 to 2022.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) publicly accessible data. Metrics analyzed included DM prevalence, average principal cost, rates of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, screenings, and prevalence of obesity. Data from RGV counties were compared to national averages using …

Prevalence And Economic Impact Of Osteoarthritis And Rheumatoid Arthritis In The Medically Underserved Rio Grande Valley, John M. Gaddis, Elias Arellano, Ryan Bialaszewski, Dominic Chau-Zanetti, Tyler Torres, Joel Wells

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (OA/RA), two of the most common forms of arthritis worldwide, are chronic diseases affecting joints. The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is characterized by an abundance of health disparities with previous studies showing increased rates of multiple diseases and disorders in this region. The purpose of this study was to determine both the prevalence and the risk-adjusted average total cost of OA/RA in the RGV and compare with the national average.

Methods: This retrospective, observational study utilized publicly accessible Medicare beneficiary data from 2012 to 2022. Data on OA/RA prevalence, risk-adjusted average total cost, and stratified …

Environmental Impact Of Water And Air Contaminants On Public Health, Astrid-Ines Foamkom, Luis A. Peña Marquez, Maria Sophia Malbas, Esmeralda Rodriguez, Noe Garza, Ney Alliey-Rodriguez

Research Colloquium

Background: Established literature suggests a strong relationship between exposure to air contaminants and physical health. Similarly, numerous studies have demonstrated the effects of water pollution on public health. Texas denizens are often victims of poor air and water quality, yet there are scant studies that have integrated evidence of health tolls caused by air and water pollution across the state. In this study, we assessed the relationship between particulate matter

Methods: The study used data from the 2018 Medicare and Medicaid report which displayed chronic health conditions across all counties in Texas. Additionally, the study also includes collected data on …

Birth Defect Trends Within Texas Public Health Region 11, 2000-2019: An Analysis Of Texas Department Of State Health Services Public Data, Jonathan M. Hebert, Miguel A. Lopez, Padmanabhan Rengasamy

Research Colloquium

Background: South Texas is a medically underserved area with pockets of low socioeconomic status and poor access to healthcare, including prenatal care. This paper aims to monitor the changes in prevalence for cardiac, circulatory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and neural tube birth defects in this region in the last two decades to monitor the effectiveness of current public health efforts.

Methods: Public data on 20 birth defects from the Texas Department of State Health Services were obtained for decades 2000-2010 and 2010-2019 in Texas Public Health Region 11 and the remaining regions of Texas. Prevalences and odds ratios for all birth defects …

Assessing The Impact Of A Comprehensive Care Model On Reducing A1c Levels Compared To Primary Care Alone: A Comprehensive Study, Hector Trejo, Lizette Ingle, Karla Soberanis

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Diabetes significantly challenges the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), especially in low-income rural areas where prevalence and mortality rates are higher than in urban regions. Limited access to routine healthcare and specialists exacerbates these issues, delaying medical attention and reducing diagnostic testing and management adherence. Early diagnosis and lifestyle modification interventions show promise, but objective evaluation of these models by local organizations in the RGV. Further analysis is needed to assess their effectiveness in reducing diabetes prevalence and improving health outcomes in the RGV.

Methods: This retrospective study aims to evaluate the Comprehensive Care Model (CCM) on Improved Health Outcomes …

The Increasing Prevalence Of Cleft Lip With Or Without Cleft Palate In The Rio Grande Valley Of Texas, Yossef Alsabawi, Aaron I. Dadzie, Tyler Torres, Elias Arellano, Paul A. Berry

Research Symposium

Background: Orofacial clefts are a subset of birth defects that include cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CLP) and cleft palate alone (CP). The treatment for orofacial clefts is surgical repair, ideally within the first six months of life. Their impacts on patients and families are various and substantial. Babies with orofacial clefts can have trouble with breastfeeding, speech, recurrent ear infections, and hearing loss as they age. Additionally, there is a significant economic burden, with the average repair costing nearly $20,000, not including the costs of medical devices, postoperative care, and rehabilitation. Additionally, children with orofacial clefts face …

Risk Of Food Insecurity Reflects Health Status In Adult Relatives Of Prek Children – ​ Data From The Steps Snap-Ed Research Study​, Lisa M B Salinas, Karla Cortez, Brenda Rodriguez, Joseph Reyes, Moises Cisneros, Elizabeth Alanis, Zasha Romero, Lin Wang, Juan C. Lopez-Alvarenga, Roberto Treviño-Peña

Research Symposium

Background: Past research shows a correlation between household food insecurity and chronic medical conditions such as diabetes in the general U.S. population as well as metabolic syndrome-related cardiometabolic markers in Hispanic/Latino youth. Furthermore, minority status, including Hispanic/Latino identity, shows an association with low food security and diabetes. The Hunger Vital Sign (HVS) is a validated screener designed to assess risk of food insecurity within households. This study analyzes associated factors related to the screener’s 2 questions, specifically targeting PreK 4-year-old children and their household relatives. The first question assesses concern about food running out before obtaining more due to financial …

Human Papilloma Viruses Infection And Pre-Malignant Lesions In Women On The Texas Mexico Border, Noe Garza, M. Gomez Gutierrez, Candace Robledo, Ihsan Salloum

Research Symposium

Background: In United States, 24-40 million women have had at least one Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. While HPV infection is responsible for over 93% of cervical cancer cases worldwide, it is relatively uncommon in US given screening programs and the introduction of the Papanicolaou test. In Texas, where cervical screening and uptake of the HPV vaccine is lower, the incidence of cervical cancer is 12 cases per 100,000 women. Along the border with Mexico the incidence of cervical cancer rises to 16 cases per 100,000 women, mirroring Mexico’s public health problem: cervical cancer is the leading cause of death in …

Emergency Total Proctocolectomy In An Uninsured Hispanic Man With Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Secondary To Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Barbara Malaga-Espinoza, Diana Othon, Yilen K. Ng-Wong, Vamsikalyan Borra, Aramide Tijani, Fatimah Bello

Research Symposium

Background: FAP is a rare genetic disorder classically inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which affects about 1 in 8 300 individuals (1). The Hispanic population has limited data regarding the spectrum of FAP mutation and clinical manifestation, although there is significant anecdotal evidence that the prevalence might be higher, with one only known Hispanic familial cancer registry in Puerto Rico (2).

Case Presentation: We are reporting the case of a 25-year-old Hispanic gentleman with a strong family history of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and Colorectal Cancer (CRC) who presented for evaluation of abdominal pain, recurrent bloody stools, and profound …

Effect Of Alcohol Consumption On Cognitive Decline Among Mexican Adults, Silvia Mejia-Arango, Ihsan Salloum, Gladys E. Maestre

Research Symposium

Background: Studies on the association between alcohol use and cognitive impairment have yielded controversial results suggesting a reduced risk of dementia in drinkers vs. nondrinkers. We aimed to examine the effect of alcohol use on cognitive trajectories among Mexican adults aged 50 and over.

Methods: Data are from 5,898 cognitively normal individuals (2,512 men and 3,386 women) from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) with a mean age of 59 years (50-90 years) at baseline (2001) and followed-up after 11 years (2012). The Cross-Cultural Cognitive Examination was the cognitive battery measuring verbal memory, visual memory, attention, and …

Development Of Solitary Keratoacanthoma From A Cutaneous Wart, Joshua M. Ninan, Veronica Salazar

Research Symposium

Background: Common cutaneous warts, referred to in medicine as verrucae vulgaris, are proliferative lesions caused by human papillomavirus. These lesions are mostly benign and usually resolve without incident, except in the case of the patient mentioned in this report. Our patient developed a solitary keratoacanthoma, currently accepted as a clinical variant of squamous cell carcinoma, as a result of several risk factors and traumatic exposure. The current literature does not have an established association of HPV with solitary keratoacanthomas. This case report explores the presentation and pathogenesis of solitary keratoacanthomas within the setting of HPV.

Case Presentation: 48-year-old Caucasian female …

Birth Defect Trends Within Texas Public Health Region 11, 2000-2019: An Analysis Of Texas Department Of State Health Services Public Data., Miguel A. Lopez, Jonathan M. Hebert, Padmanabhan Rengasamy

Research Symposium

South Texas is a predominantly Hispanic region with high rates of chronic illness, poor healthcare access, and a history of birth defect clusters. Between 1986 and 1991, 47 cases of anencephaly in Cameron County were linked to elevated fumonisins in the region’s corn-based diet, prompting a series of ongoing public health efforts. This paper aims to identify changes in prevalence for CNS defects, in addition to cardiac, circulatory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary defects in South Texas within the last two decades. Public data on 20 birth defects from the Texas Department of State Health Services were obtained for decades 2000-2010 and …

Addressing Educational Disparities To Improve Health In The Rio Grande Valley, Ronald A. Shaju

Research Symposium

Background: The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) has emerged as a region in the United States grappling with profound health challenges, prominently characterized by elevated rates of diabetes and obesity among its diverse residents. (11) In this comprehensive public health research endeavor, our objective is to delve deeply into the intricate relationship between educational disparities and health outcomes of the multifaceted RGV population. This connection can then be utilized as a focal point for breaking down the health disparities in the RGV.

Methods: Employing a rigorous methodology, we conduct an exhaustive literature review to illuminate the connection between educational disparities and …

Exploring Imageability Through Architecture To Study Neuroscience: Preliminary Results Of A Systemic Review, Cristian Maestre, Shana Garza, Silvia Mejia-Arango, Jesus D. Melgarejo, Gladys E. Maestre

Research Symposium

Background: Neuroscience and architecture are often combined to study the impact of environment, physical spaces, colors, shapes, and buildings on brain activity and health. This is an emerging field with distinct areas examining architecture in relation to neuroscience. Among the numerous elements of architecture, imageability seems to be of particular interest. Imageability refers to the quality of a physical space that evokes strong images in people’s mind, and influence cognitive functions including visual, memory, and spatial recall. It is hypothesized that environments, spaces, and buildings with poor imageability might negatively affect cognition, behavior, and brain health. Diverse studies have been …

Performance Of Color Plates For M. Tuberculosis Detection And Drug Resistance Screening In Mexican Tb Clinics Across The Texas Border, Sean Monday, Doris Ayala, Genesis P. Aguillón-Durán, America Cruz-Garcia, Alyssa Schami, Amberlee Hicks, Juan Ignacio Garcia, Jordi B. Torrelles, Blanca I. Restrepo

Research Symposium

Purpose: Populations along the U.S.-Mexico border have a high prevalence of risk factors for TB such as low socioeconomic status, overcrowding and migration, and consequently, higher TB incidence (up to 12 and 44/100,000) when compared to their corresponding national averages in each country. TB control in border regions is further challenged by limited access to cost-effective tests to diagnose TB and assess drug resistance (DR). We evaluated the performance of a novel, simple and low-cost culture plate technology for isolation and DR testing of Mtb in TB clinics on the Mexican border with Texas.

Methods: We conducted an observational study …

Prevalence Of Anxiety And Depression In Young People From Northern Tamaulipas, In The Context Of The Covid-19 Pandemic, Teresa Velázquez-Loredo

Research Symposium

Background: From the beginning of the confinement due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the prevalence of depression was >22%, while ENSANUT 2018 survey reported a prevalence of 13.6%. The pandemic had an adverse impact on young people, affecting employment, their professional future, education, training and, therefore, their mental well-being. Early studies show that young people have higher levels of anxiety and depression than adults and older adults.

Methods: We evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of students from the upper secondary and higher education levels of northern Tamaulipas, Mexico, measuring the prevalence of anxiety and depression …

Pulmonary Tuberculosis In Older Adults, Texas, 2008 - 2020: Trends And Adverse Outcomes, Belinda Medrano, Gretchen L. Gemeinhardt, Miryoung Lee, Sandra Morris, Lana Yamba, Blanca I. Restrepo

Research Symposium

Background: After two decades of 2% annual declines in the global incidence of TB, there was a 3.6% increase between 2020 and 2021. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) ‘End TB Strategy’ is aimed at reducing TB incidence by 80% and TB deaths by 90% by 2030, compared with 2015, but its goals will not be reached at the current pace. Reacceleration of TB elimination efforts must take into consideration the changing epidemiology of TB, including an aging global population. The older adult population, aged 65 and older, is growing faster than all other age groups, and in the United States, …

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

Research Symposium

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

Imaging Manifestations From Critically-Ill Patients During Early Spread Of Covid-19, Guohui Yang, Zewen Liu, Qing Zhang, Wanwei Jiang, Hui Ye, Shi Zuo, Tabitha Abraham, Li Zuo

Research Symposium

Background. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) started in December 2019 in Wuhan. This study evaluated clinical characteristics, and imaging manifestations in Ezhou, an early locked down city, about 36 miles east of Wuhan where the outbreaks started.

Methods. We analyzed data from 98 confirmed severe COVID-19 patients in Ezhou Central Hospital between February 1st and March 22nd, 2020. We compared patients’ laboratory results, imaging manifestations and treatments between survival and death groups.

Results. Of these 98 confirmed COVID-19 patients, 24 individuals (24.6%) had chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and chronic respiratory disease. The main symptoms of critically ill patients …

Effective Management And Implementation Of A Coordinated Health Program - The Steps Snap-Ed Experience, Moises Cisneros, Brenda Rodriguez-Guerra, Joseph Reyes, Emilio Puente Barrios

Research Symposium

Purpose: Coordinated health programs have been proposed for more than four decades to improve the health of children in school settings. Although a challenging task, it has the potential to touch many lives, especially those from impoverished communities (Darlington, Violon, & Jourdan, 2018). The South Texas Early Prevention Studies (STEPS) aim to positively impact the community of the Rio Grande Valley, a population known to have a high rate of obesity, by implementing a comprehensive and proactive approach with various components within a preschool students’ life. The project's goal has been to plant a seed at an early age for …

Treatment Strategies For Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (Mafld) In Childhood: A Systematic Review, Anthony Alanis, Alisha Valdez, Hector Rivera-Marrero, Joshua Membreno, Isabel Omaña-Guzman, Marisol Rosas-Diaz, Yoscelina Estrella Martínez-López, Esperanza Milagros Garcia-Oropesa, Nayely Garibay-Nieto, Alejandra Bustamante, Octelina Castillo-Ruiz, Beatriz Tapia, Leonel Vela, Kathleen V. Carter, Juan Carlos Lopez-Alvarenga

Research Symposium

Introduction: Obesity is associated with various metabolic conditions, but the impact differs between children and adults. Our previous research has demonstrated that children may exhibit reversibility in biochemical features, while experiencing less response in terms of anatomical damage. Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) is a condition that necessitates urgent treatment during childhood to mitigate future complications, such as worsening chronic inflammation and increased predisposition to diabetes, hypertension, or endothelial damage. In this study, we aim to evaluate the main clinical interventions (including drugs, behavioral treatments, nutrition programs, and traditional medicine) that effectively reduce MAFLD in children with obesity. …

Prevalence Of Liver Cirrhosis And Its Association With Obesity Among Mexican Americans: An Evidence Synthesis, Alexa Perlick, Abaigeal Thompson, Colton Wayne, Angel Rendon, Jose E. Campo Maldonado

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Chronic liver disease is the 6^th and 7^th leading cause of death in Hispanic men and Hispanics, respectively.¹ In contrast to other causes of liver disease, the prevalence of nonalcoholic liver disease has been growing as is diabetes and obesity.²

Objective: There is a paucity of data regarding the prevalence of cirrhosis for Mexican Americans in South Texas. The aim of this evidence synthesis is to investigate the prevalence of cirrhosis in Hispanic populations and its relationship with obesity.

Methods: PubMed was used to perform a thorough literature search on September10, 2020. The terms “liver …

Exploration Of Potential Risk Factors For Texas County Covid-19 Infection Rates, Keren Kahsai, Michael Machiorlatti

Research Colloquium

There have been over 2 million COVID-19 cases within the United States. When considering where infections take place, there appears to be variability between states and even between counties (Gardner 2020). To understand the reasons underlying this phenomenon, we used Texas county data on Covid-19 infection rates and utilized auxiliary data such as age, race, gender, diabetes and obesity rates, temperature, humidity, median household income, metropolitan or rural designation, and poverty rates to see what confers greater risk for higher total infection at a county level. Our study found a positive relationship between diabetes and obesity rates and COVID-19 infection …

A 3- And 6- Month Follow-Up To A Student-Led Approach To Patient Safety In Pre-Clinical Curriculum, Nelson D. Gonzalez, Sahar Panjwani, Daniel Nwosuocha, Lauren Bayliss, Ayleen Godreau

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Preventable medical errors are currently the third leading cause of death in the United States following heart disease and cancer. In light of this, integration of formal patient safety education into undergraduate medical education has been encouraged by the World Health Organization. This study aimed to assess the change in patient safety knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs in students after early exposure to patient safety during pre-clinical years.

Methods: First and second-year medical students participated in the training and responses were assessed through a pre-test, immediate post-test, 3-month post-test, and 6-month post-test. The survey assessed student knowledge on aspects …

Ut Health Rgv Covid-19 Testing Report, Jefferson T. R. Chandler, Beatriz Tapia

Research Colloquium

Purpose: This health surveillance project's goal was to organize de-identified data received from UT Health RGV with the intent to provide timely reporting to testing sites and health affairs directors. We aimed to explore how testing rates differ between counties, testing sites and age groups from March 30 through August 7, 2020. We looked at different demographics and compared the positivity rates for each testing site. For this report, we will detail information for the pediatric population (ages 0-18).

Materials and Methods: A codebook and database were created with information about COVID-19 test data to formulate reports to the testing …

Survival Disparities Between Border And Non-Border Counties In Colorectal Cancer Patients Using The Tcr, Michael Machiorlatti, Michael Brian Lapelusa

Research Colloquium

Along the US Texas Mexico border constant migration, developing medical infrastructure and income disparity leads to poorer access to healthcare and poorer health outcomes. Given 32 of the 254 counties in TX are on the border with roughly 9.8% of the Texas residing in these counties (2.8 million people), this represents a significant population susceptible to adverse health outcomes. We investigate comparisons between border and non-border counties as well as how sociodemographic and diagnostic criterion influence survival of colorectal cancer. Data was obtained from the Texas Department of State Health Service’s TCR. Patients were 18 or older and excluded for …

Variation In Functional Pelvic Tilt In Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty With Acetabular Dysplasia, Myung-Jin Cha, Joel Wells, Yin Xi, Avneesh Chhabra

Research Colloquium

Purpose: It is important to clarify the link between acetabular dysplasia and pelvic tilt to optimize surgical planning and postoperative outcomes. We sought to investigate functional pelvic tilt in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty with acetabular dysplasia.

Materials & Methods: From 2014 to 2020, pre-operative AP Pelvis X-rays, CT scans, and other patient-specific data such as pelvic tilt, lumbar lordotic angle, etc were collected as part of surgical planning for total hip arthroplasty. From this database, we investigated 678 female patients under the age of 50 that had undergone preoperative standing AP pelvis X-rays. Analysis was performed by investigating how …

Improving Health Literacy Among Transgender/ Gender Non-Conforming People Using Social Media, Isha Mittal, Michelle Cordoba Kissee

Research Colloquium

Background: Health literacy has been elicited as a barrier to healthcare amongst LGBT individuals. Social media has become a popular force in transmitting health information, but often time lacks evidence-based information.

Aims/purpose: The TikTok channel GenderDefenders was created to address the lack of reliable evidence-based information for transgender and gender-non conforming (TGNC) individuals.

Methods: Data was collected from current TikTok videos that were tagged with TGNC terminology to identify gaps in knowledge and commonly asked questions. Themes were selected and educational video recordings were created using WPATH and UCSF guidelines for transgender healthcare. Some topics included what …

Quality Improvement Project To Increase Hepatitis C Virus Screening For Ambulatory Gme Internal Medicine Clinic Patients, Nghia Nguyen, Karrar Al Gburi, Arturo Suplee, Jarrad Mcadams, Serag Fares, Carol Soler, Ans Albustamy, Jorge Alejandro Bernal, Sumandeep Brar, J. Paredes

Research Symposium

Background: In 2020, CDC established new guideline expanding Hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening to all adults aged 18 to 79 years. Our QI project objective is to enhance HCV screening amongst the UTRGV-DHR IM department by establishing suitable reminders and educational sessions.

Methods: We reviewed HCV screening status of all adult patients 18 to 79 years old from June 1^st 2020 to December 1^st 2020. We then provided one lecture on the new screening recommendation from CDC 2020 guideline. We also encouraged residents to educate patients on the importance of HCV screening, and to identify and overcome barriers …