Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Physical Inactivity In Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease: Risk Factor, Early Symptom, Or Both, Jiawei Zhao, Xin Li, Mengxuan Wu, Zhanjun Zhang

Communication Sciences & Disorders Faculty Publications

Physical inactivity is a key modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, emerging evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship where inactivity also serves as an early manifestation of AD pathology. This perspective synthesizes recent findings from long-term epidemiological cohorts, brainstem neuropathology, and digital phenotyping to reconceptualize the role of inactivity in preclinical AD. Early tau accumulation in catecholaminergic nuclei (locus coeruleus and ventral tegmental area) disrupts circuits essential for reward valuation and effort calculation. We hypothesize that this neurobiological failure may manifest as prodromal apathy and declining physical activity years before cognitive impairment. Standard metrics like step counts fail to …

Challenge-Based Ex Vivo Immune Profiling Reveals Stimulus-Dependent Peripheral Immune Reprogramming In Alzheimer's Disease, C. A. Naranjo-Galvis, Jovanny Zabaleta, Ney Alliey Rodriguez, Luisa Matilde Salamanca-Duque

School of Medicine Publications

Altered immune function is increasingly recognized as a contributor to Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, it remains unclear whether peripheral immune alterations reflect constitutive inflammation or stimulus-dependent changes in immune responsiveness. Addressing this distinction is critical for understanding immune dysregulation in neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we applied a challenge-based ex vivo immune profiling approach to characterize functional immune responsiveness in patients with AD and in cognitively healthy older adults. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were exposed to defined innate, antigenic, and mitogenic stimuli, and cytokine and β-amyloid (Aβ) responses were quantified in culture supernatants. Diagnosis-by-stimulus interaction effects were assessed using generalized …

Not Just A Migraine: Transverse Venous Sinus Stenosis Presenting As Orthostatic Headache, Tejaswini Swamy, Aun A. Bangash, Chloe Harris, Jose E. Campo Maldonado

School of Medicine Publications

Transverse venous sinus stenosis (TVSS) is an underrecognized cause of intracranial hypertension that can mimic primary headache disorders. We report a woman with obesity and prior bariatric surgery who developed bifrontal headache with pulsatile tinnitus, dizziness, and visual blurring for 1 year. Orthostatic features and lack of response to therapy prompted further evaluation. Lumbar puncture revealed an opening pressure of 32 cm H2 O with immediate relief after cerebrospinal fluid removal. Magnetic resonance venography demonstrated severe TVSS, confirmed by cerebral angiography. The patient had left transverse sinus stenting with sustained improvement. This case highlights the importance of considering TVSS in …

Sex-Based Differences In Clinical Outcomes Among Cardiogenic Shock Patients Treated With Mechanical Circulatory Support, Emmanuel Olumuyide, Ju Young Bae, Rongras Damrongwatanasuk, Ezaz Rahman, Barbara Malaga-Espinoza, Jiun-Ruey Hu, S. Elissa Altin

School of Medicine Publications

Despite advances in therapies, cardiogenic shock (CS) remains associated with high mortality rates, often necessitating mechanical circulatory support (MCS) to preserve end-organ perfusion. Despite increasing rates of MCS utilization, less is known about sex-related differences in clinical outcomes to guide practice. Additionally, standardized management protocols for CS patients requiring MCS that account for sex differences are lacking. In this study, we evaluate sex-specific outcomes in CS patients requiring MCS, examine patterns of MCS utilization by sex, and further stratify clinical outcomes by sex across the overall CS cohort, including the acute myocardial infarction-related CS (AMI-CS), acute heart failure-related CS (AHF-CS), …

Two Decades Of Progress In The Prevention And Treatment Of Colorectal Cancer: From Aspirin To Targeted Therapy, Lovyanne Vergel De Dios, Salique Hassan Shaham, Puneet Vij, Manish Kumar Tripathi

School of Medicine Publications

No abstract provided.

In Silico Screening And Molecular Analyses Identify Apigenin From Scutellaria Barbata As A Potent Akt1 Inhibitor In Breast Cancer, Md. Maruf Khan, Md. Arju Hossain, Fatematuz Zohora, Md. Sohel, Md. Faisal Amin, Fatematuz Zuhura Evamoni, M. Nazmul Hoque

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Breast cancer (BC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide. Scutellaria barbata, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, possesses recognized anticancer properties, but its mechanistic role in BC is not fully elucidated. This study employed an integrated in silico approach to identify the key flavonoids, targets, and pathways through which S. barbata exerts its anti-BC effects. A multi-step computational methodology incorporating network pharmacology, molecular docking, and dynamics simulations was utilized to profile bioactive compounds from S. barbata. From an initial set of 34 phytocompounds, three flavonoids namely apigenin, 4’-hydroxywogonin, and hispidulin demonstrated favorable drug-likeness, high bioavailability, …

Improving Procedural Confidence: Outcomes Of A Surgical Skills Workshop For Medical Students, Mary Arden G Guillory, Jennifer Escamilla, Anika Doppalapudi, Ashlyn Holubar, Kaitlyn Ybanez, Mark Manickath, Maci Oestreich, Mckenna Stallworth, Kelsey Baker

School of Medicine Publications

Introduction Introducing surgical skills early in medical training may enhance students' confidence and readiness for clinical training. Simulation-based skill workshops provide students with a comfortable learning environment, resulting in effective learning. The goal of the Surgical Skills Workshop was to provide first- and second-year medical students with hands-on exposure to essential surgical skills. The educational impact on medical students' confidence in performing the respective surgical skills and changes in surgical career interest was assessed.

Methods: First- and second-year medical students at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine participated in a hands-on surgical skills workshop comprising eight …

Beyond The Expected Window: A Rare Presentation Of Acei-Associated Angioedema Two Decades Into Therapy, Taiwo Ajani, Jose J. Loayza Pintado, Renzo Aller Rojas, Jorge Aboytes Trevino, Michelle Lopez

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor–induced angioedema (ACEI-AE) is a rare but potentially serious adverse effect of a widely used class of antihypertensives. It typically presents as non-pitting, non-pruritic swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or upper airway, often without associated urticaria. Although most cases occur within the first weeks of treatment, delayed presentations, sometimes after years of stable therapy, have been increasingly recognized. The condition is bradykinin-mediated and often does not respond to standard allergy medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroids.

Case Presentation: A 56-year-old woman with a medical history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, GERD, and seasonal allergies presented to …

Comparing The Effect Of Oral And Transdermal Estrogen Therapy On Lipid Profile In Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Clinical Trials, Mohamed Doma, Jose J. Loayza Pintado, Aria Atwal, Angelica Lopez Jesus, Farhaan Zahrawi, Ibrahim Saleh, Ahmed El Gammal, Zeyad Maharm, Adham Galal Ramadan, Benito Vlassis, Mustafa Shafeeq Ali, Mohammad Khodr Aljamali, Ralph Pandey, Mounira Mefti, Merhan Badran, Muaaz Aslam, Anuj Subedi, Jaffer Shah, Hani Aiash

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Menopause is associated with significant physiological changes, including alterations in lipid profiles. Estrogen therapy plays a crucial role in managing symptoms and preventing long-term complications. This study aims to compare oral and transdermal routes of estrogen therapy among postmenopausal women and assess changes in lipid parameters from baseline.

Methods: Randomized clinical trials comparing oral and transdermal estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women were identified through searches in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Pooled mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Statistical analysis was conducted using R version 4.3.2.

Results: Eight randomized …

Cardiovascular Response Patterns To Oral Versus Transdermal Estrogen Therapy In Postmenopausal Women, Mohamed Doma, Jose J. Loayza Pintado, Aria Atwal, Angelica Lopez Jesus, Farhaan Zahrawi, Ibrahim Saleh, Ahmed El Gammal, Zeyad Maharm, Adham Galal Ramadan, Benito Vlassis, Mustafa Shafeeq Ali, Mohammad Khodr Aljamali, Ralph Pandey, Mounira Mefti, Merhan Badran, Muaaz Aslam, Anuj Subedi, Jaffer Shah, Hani Aiash

Research Colloquium

Introduction: The comparative effects of oral versus transdermal estrogen therapy on cardiovascular parameters in postmenopausal women remain incompletely understood. This analysis aimed to evaluate blood pressure and heart rate responses between administration routes.

Methods: A systematic review of randomized trials comparing oral and transdermal estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women was conducted. Primary outcomes included changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to calculate pooled mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results: Analysis of 8 randomized trials (N=885) showed no significant differences between oral and transdermal routes in mean …

A Flare Beyond The Gut: Culture-Negative Skin Abscesses In Ulcerative Colitis, Jose J. Loayza Pintado, Mohammad Aqeel, Jorge Aboytes Trevino, Taiwo Ajani, Andres Suarez

Research Symposium

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease often complicated by extraintestinal manifestations, with skin involvement seen in up to 15% of patients. Typical lesions include erythema nodosum and pyoderma gangrenosum, but abscess-like cutaneous lesions are almost always assumed to be infectious. Rare case reports describe sterile, culture-negative abscesses arising during UC flares, yet their true prevalence is unknown. We present the case of a young man with UC who developed multiple aseptic skin abscesses in parallel with active proctitis.

Case Presentation: A 19-year-old man with prior Clostridioides difficile infection and subtotal colectomy (rectal preservation) presented with malaise, …

Breaking The Cycle Of Telemetry Overuse: A Resident-Led Quality Improvement Initiative, Jose Donis, Jose J. Loayza Pintado, Luis Salcedo, Renzo Aller, Andres Suarez

Research Symposium

Background: Telemetry monitoring is a critical tool in detecting arrhythmias but is frequently overutilized outside of guideline-based indications, contributing to alarm fatigue, unnecessary costs, and resource strain. National guidelines (AHA 2017; BHRS 2020) recommend targeted use, yet adherence remains inconsistent. This quality improvement (QI) project was designed to assess baseline adherence and implement a resident-led intervention to optimize telemetry utilization in a general medicine unit.

Methods: The project was conducted in the 2-West Internal Medicine Unit at Rio Grande Regional Hospital. Residents were integrated into daily telemetry decision-making beginning in November 2024, following structured education with workshops, simulation training, and …

From Skin To Spleen To Brain: Full-Spectrum Embolic Complications In Staphylococcus Aureus Endocarditis, Jose J. Loayza Pintado, Jorge Aboytes Trevino, Julian Galindo, Mohammad Aqeel, John Cauba, Joshua Nwose, Andres Suarez Parraga

Research Symposium

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) results from bacterial adhesion to endocardial tissue and valvular apparatus. While viridans group streptococci and Enterococcus species are associated with subacute disease, Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA), is a leading cause of more acutely destructive presentations. The entry of these pathogens can occur through surgical and dental procedures, intravenous drug use, or less apparent etiology. Classic peripheral stigmata (Osler nodes, Janeway lesions, splinter hemorrhages, Roth spots) are now uncommon but clinically meaningful. Current guidelines emphasize rapid multimodality imaging to detect cerebral and systemic emboli in symptomatic IE. We present a 50-year-old man with S. aureus …

The Bubble, The Blockage, And The Barrier: Weighing Pfo Against Moyamoya In An Stroke Mechanism Diagnostic Challenge In Down Syndrome With Achalasia, Jose J. Loayza Pintado, Adolfo Nava, Jose Donis Castaneda, Taiwo Ajani, Cesar Uribe

Research Symposium

Background: Paradoxical embolism through a PFO or small ASD is a common mechanism of stroke in young adults, and randomized trials plus contemporary guidelines support closure in carefully selected 18–60-year-olds to reduce recurrence. Individuals with Down syndrome frequently have congenital heart lesions, raising the pretest probability of shunt-mediated stroke. Yet Down syndrome is also linked to moyamoya arteriopathy, creating diagnostic ambiguity when intracranial narrowing is seen on first-pass imaging. We present a 34-year-old woman with Down syndrome, an acute MCA infarct, and a mildly positive bubble study in whom TEE was deferred for achalasia, illustrating a cardiology-led diagnostic challenge that …

Antimicrobial Susceptibility And Targeted Molecular Detection Of Methicillin Resistance Determinants In Staphylococcus Spp. Isolated From Broiler Bco Lesions, Woro Wulandari Kalanjati, Chrystalee Ailani Alvarez, Anh Dang Trieu Do, Adnan Ali Khalaf Alrubaye

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Staphylococcus spp. associated with poultry production is an emerging concern with implications for animal and public health. This study aimed to characterize antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and detect targeted methicillin resistance determinants in Staphylococcus isolates recovered from broiler chickens affected by bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO). Methods: A total of 200 bacterial isolates were evaluated, of which 167 were confirmed as Staphylococcus spp. Species identification was performed using presumptive phenotypic characterization followed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using disk diffusion, while presumptive methicillin-resistant phenotypes were evaluated using oxacillin screening and CHROMagar MRSA. …

Impact Of Insurance On In-Hospital Mortality And Other Outcomes Among Patients With Acs And Cardiogenic Shock: A Nationwide Analysis From 2022., Renzo Aller, Aura Calderon

Research Symposium

Introduction: Insurance coverage may significantly affect access to timely and advanced cardiovascular therapeutic interventions within the United States. Among individuals experiencing acute myocardial infarction (AMI) accompanied by cardiogenic shock (CS), variations based on the primary payer may play a role in subsequent in-hospital outcomes. We conducted a retrospective analysis to determine whether insurance status correlates with in-hospital mortality and other outcomes among patients with AMI and CS, utilizing the NIS database.

Methods: ACS patients in the 2022 NIS were categorized as STEMI or NSTE-ACS using appropriate ICD‐10 codes. Patients with both types of ACS and cardiogenic shock were included in …

The Triple Threat: Hiv, Nonadherence, And Substance Use Driving Premature Coronary Events, Jose J. Loayza Pintado, Taiwo Ajani, Angelica Lopez Jesus, Aura Calderon, Jose Pena

Research Symposium

Background: People living with HIV (PLWH) experience nearly double the risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and often present with acute coronary syndromes at younger ages [1]. Chronic inflammation, immune activation, and drug–drug interactions between antiretrovirals and antiplatelet agents further contribute to accelerated atherosclerosis and poor outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) [2,3]. Importantly, in-stent restenosis (ISR) remains disproportionately frequent in PLWH despite modern drug-eluting stents, with medication nonadherence compounding risk [4]. We present a young woman with HIV and recurrent myocardial infarction due to rapid ISR, underscoring the impact of inflammation, adherence, and pharmacologic interactions on secondary prevention.

Case …

Survival Outcomes And Tumor Site Distribution By Molecular Subtype In Breast Cancer Patients Under 40, Muhammad Noorani, Shubhank Goyal, Sierra Viduarri, Aura Calderon, Christine Pham, Shweta Singh, Mutaaz Ahmed, Anupam Dhasmana, Swati Dhasmana, Murali Yallapu, Shubash Chauhan, Diane Nguyen, Sidketa Fofana, Sheema Khan

Research Symposium

Background: Screening guidelines for breast cancer typically begin at age 40, leaving younger women at risk for delayed detection. The survival outcomes and tumor site patterns by subtype in this younger population remain underexplored. Our analysis leverages comprehensive national data to fill this critical knowledge gap, offering one of the most detailed evaluations to date of molecular subtype distribution, prognostic disparities, and anatomical presentation in women under 40.

Methods: Using the SEER 18 registry, we identified 5,026 female patients diagnosed under age 40 with invasive breast cancer in 2018. This year was selected for the most recent data available on …

Severe Cold Agglutinin Hemolytic Anemia Secondary To Mycoplasma Pneumoniae And Epstein-Barr Virus Co-Infection In An Elderly Patient, Aura Mc Calderon, Jose Loayza, Luis Salcedo, Ivan Mogollon, Asmik Asatrian

Research Symposium

Introduction: Cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is an uncommon, complement-mediated hemolysis typically driven by IgM autoantibodies; secondary forms are often infection-related. Severe, transfusion-refractory presentations are rare in older adults. We present an elderly patient with Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Epstein–Barr virus co-infection complicated by life-threatening cold agglutinin hemolysis.

Case report: Upon admission, a 79-year-old male patient presented with a one-week history of fatigue, pyrexia, nasal congestion, and dyspnea; examination findings revealed pallor, bibasilar crackles, and mild splenomegaly. Laboratory investigations indicated the presence of severe hemolytic anemia accompanied by compensatory reticulocytosis and thrombocytosis (hemoglobin 5.5 g/dL, hematocrit 17.2%, MCV 100 fL, reticulocytes …

Iptacopan-Responsive Pnh With Pancytopenia: Hematologic Normalization And Dose Adjustment For Transaminitis, Aura Mc Calderon, Jose Loayza, Francisco Arias, Catherine Matos, Bharat Peddinani, Diane Nguyen

Research Symposium

Introduction: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a clonal hematopoietic stem-cell disorder driven by loss of GPI-anchored complement regulators (CD55, CD59), leading to complement-mediated intravascular hemolysis, cytopenias, and thrombosis. We report a new PNH diagnosis in a young woman with severe pancytopenia who achieved hematologic improvement on oral iptacopan, requiring dose adjustments for mild liver enzyme elevation.

Case Report: On February 27, 2025, a 38-year-old female patient exhibited symptoms of progressive fatigue, dyspnea, and jaundice. Initial laboratory assessments indicated the presence of severe hemolytic anemia accompanied by pancytopenia, hemoglobin level recorded at 4.7 g/dL, white blood cell count at 1.6×10³/µL (absolute …

Expression And Functional Significance Of The G Protein–Coupled Estrogen Receptor (Gper) In Breast Cancer Subtypes, Sierra E. Vidaurri, Shweta Singh, Valerie E. Ledezma, Rajasekhar Baru, Emma Garza, Francisco Flores, Muhammad Noorani, Shubhank Goyal, Aura Calderon, Alexander Lim, Anupam Dhasmana, Swati Dhasmana, Murali Yallapu, Subhash Chauhan, Diane Nguyen, Sheema Khan

Research Symposium

Background: The G protein–coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) mediates rapid non-genomic estrogen signaling and has been implicated in breast cancer progression and aggressiveness. However, its expression patterns across molecular subtypes and its direct functional contribution to tumor behavior remain incompletely defined. The objective of this study was to comprehensively characterize GPER expression in breast cancer tissues and to functionally validate its role in regulating tumor cell proliferation and migration using genetic modulation approaches.

Methods: GPER expression was evaluated in breast cancer cell lines and patient tumor tissues using immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blotting, and RT-PCR. Tumors were classified into Luminal A, Luminal …

Clinical Outcomes In Neutropenic Fever At A South Texas Community Hospital In Hispanic Patients., Bharat K. Peddinani, Aura Calderon, Ramon Elizondo-Romo, Elizabeth Mills-Reyes, Everardo Cobos

Research Symposium

Background: Febrile neutropenia (FN) remains a high-acuity complication of myelosuppressive chemotherapy, yet outcomes in Hispanic patients—particularly in South Texas—are underrepresented. We compared outcomes of FN admissions among Hispanic adults with solid tumors versus hematologic malignancies at a community hospital in the Rio Grande Valley.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult hospital admissions for FN from January 2022 through January 2025. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years, FN documented in the emergency department, active chemotherapy for a solid or hematologic malignancy, and Hispanic ethnicity. Of 139 charts screened, 97 met criteria (46 solid tumors; 51 hematologic malignancies). Primary …

From Risk Factor To Cause Of Death: Hypertensive Heart Disease And The Changing Composition Of Heart Disease Mortality In Texas Compared With The United States, 1999–2020, Jose J. Loayza Pintado, Angelica Lopez Jesus, Aura Calderon, Jorge Aboytes Trevino, Daniela Hernandez

Research Symposium

Background: Heart disease mortality has declined nationwide, but Texas continues to experience higher rates than the United States overall. At the same time, hypertensive heart disease (HHD) has become more prominent within cardiovascular mortality statistics. Whether this shift reflects a growing hypertension-driven contribution to the Texas–U.S. gap has not been well quantified. We compared long-term trends in HHD mortality and the presence of HHD on death certificates among heart disease deaths in Texas versus the United States.

Methods: We analyzed CDC WONDER Underlying Cause of Death and Multiple Cause of Death files, 1999–2020, restricted to decedents aged ≥25 years. HHD …

Gper As A Therapeutic Target In Breast Cancer: Pharmacologic Inhibition And Microbiome Associations, Sierra E. Vidaurri, Shweta Singh, Valerie E. Ledezma, Rajesekhar Baru, Emma Garza, Francisco Flores, Muhammad Noorani, Shubhank Goyal, Aura Calderon, Alexander Lim, Anupam Dhasmana, Swati Dhasmana, Murali Yallapu, Subhash Chauhan, Diane Nguyen, Sheema Khan

Research Symposium

Background: The G protein–coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) mediates rapid estrogen signaling that promotes proliferation, migration, and therapeutic resistance in breast cancer, including in hormone receptor–negative subtypes. Notably, standard endocrine therapies may inadvertently activate GPER, highlighting the need for direct targeting of this pathway. The objectives of this study were to evaluate GPER as a therapeutic target using pharmacologic modulators and to determine how GPER-driven tumor behavior relates to tumor microbiome composition across breast cancer subtypes.

Methods: Breast cancer cell lines representing Luminal A (MCF7), Luminal B (BT474), HER2-enriched (SKBR3), and triple-negative (HCC38, MDA-MB-453, MDA-MB-231) subtypes were treated with Ormeloxifene (ORM). …

When A Pain Crisis Isn’T Only A Crisis: Delayed Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction With Hyperhemolysis In Adult Sickle Cell Disease., Bharat K. Peddinani, Conrad Chouinard, Aura Calderon, Maria I. Lopez, Diane Nguyen

Research Symposium

Introduction: Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) is frequently mistaken for vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) or evolving acute chest syndrome (ACS). New alloantibodies may be absent or delayed, so reflex transfusion can worsen hemolysis. Programs now emphasize routine post-transfusion surveillance and a protocolized, transfusion-sparing response when DHTR is suspected.

Case Presentation: A 35-year-old man with hemoglobin SS SCD, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and recurrent priapism presented with severe left-leg pain two weeks after receiving two units of packed red blood cells for pre-operative optimization. Baseline hemoglobin (Hb) was ~6 g/dL; he was off disease-modifying therapy. …

Seeing The Pattern: Optic Neuritis, Multifocal Mri Lesions, And The Early Diagnosis Of Multiple Sclerosis, Jose J. Loayza Pintado, William Reckley, Aura Calderon, Luis Gaitan

Research Symposium

Background: Optic neuritis is a common neuro-ophthalmic emergency and may be the first clinical manifestation of inflammatory demyelinating disease. In the acute setting, clinicians must rapidly distinguish multiple sclerosis (MS) from important mimics, particularly when optic nerve involvement is accompanied by spinal cord lesions. A structured approach integrating phenotype, MRI lesion distribution and activity, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers can support timely diagnosis and guide counseling regarding long-term management. We report a young man presenting with unilateral optic neuritis and prior transient neurologic episodes, highlighting a practical diagnostic framework applicable to emergency and inpatient care.

Case Presentation: A 27-year-old man …

Prevalence And Practice Patterns Of Facial Plastic And Reconstructive Procedures Among Otolaryngologists: A National Medicare Claims Analysis, Justin Z. Heckman, Shizue Mito

MEDI 9331 Scholarly Activities Clinical Years

Facial plastic and reconstructive procedures represent a small but relatively well-reimbursed component of ENT Medicare billing. Of 860 otolaryngologists identified in the 2023 CMS Physician and Other Practitioners Public Use File, 104 (12.1%) billed at least one facial plastic CPT code, with a mean of 16.9 services per participating provider. A total of 1,756 facial plastic services were rendered, representing 0.16% of total ENT Medicare volume, with a cumulative reimbursement of $584,834. Mean reimbursement per facial plastic provider-CPT combination was $435, compared to $104 across all ENT services, a 4.2-fold difference. Facial plastic billing was concentrated in non-rural settings (95.5%) …

Investigation Of Electrochemical Transport, Gate Leakage, And Transconductance Behavior In Pedot:Pss Organic Electrochemical Transistors, Vinay Bhudhraja, Bilal Khan, Abijeet Mehta

Health & Biomedical Sciences Faculty Publications

Organic Electrochemical Transistors (OECTs) are promising candidates for low-voltage bioelectronic systems due to their high transconductance, mixed ionic–electronic transport, and compatibility with flexible substrates. In this work, we investigate the electrochemical transport, gate leakage, and transconductance behavior of screen-printed PEDOT:PSS OECTs, with emphasis on the relationship between ionic coupling and output characteristics. Key electrical and electrochemical parameters—including drain current modulation, transconductance evolution, gate current behavior, and capacitance–voltage response—were systematically analyzed to elucidate the mechanisms governing device operation. The results reveal clear trade-offs between parasitic resistance, volumetric electrochemical capacitance, and effective gate control, which in turn influence signal integrity and amplification …

Emotional Intelligence Documentary - The Art Of Compassion: Learning From Spain, Poetry, And Medicine, Emily E. Morin

Cultivating Emotional Intelligence through the Humanities in Spain

The Art of Compassion: Learning from Spain, Poetry, and Medicine explores how art, literature, and cultural experiences can deepen compassion and inform more human-centered healthcare. Drawing on works encountered during a Medical Humanities study abroad program in Spain, the documentary examines compassion as a skill that can be cultivated through self-reflection, recognition of shared vulnerability, and appreciation of multiple perspectives. Through analysis of poetry by Lope de Vega, Jaime Sabines, and Yehuda Halevi, alongside artworks by Diego Velázquez, Francisco Goya, and Pablo Picasso, the film connects themes of empathy, suffering, identity, and healing to contemporary clinical practice. The documentary also …

Las Caras De Belleza En Madrid, Virginia L. Piccirillo

Cultivating Emotional Intelligence through the Humanities in Spain

Las Caras de la Belleza en Madrid, España explora cómo la belleza femenina ha sido representada, celebrada y cuestionada a través del arte, la poesía y la experiencia cultural. A través de museos como el Prado y el Thyssen-Bornemisza, este documental analiza la evolución de los ideales de belleza desde representaciones clásicas inspiradas por Venus hasta interpretaciones contemporáneas que desafían los estándares tradicionales. Mediante obras visuales, el poema Ilustre y hermosísima María y reflexiones personales, el proyecto invita a reconsiderar la relación entre belleza, identidad y feminidad, demostrando que la verdadera belleza existe en múltiples formas y perspectivas.