Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

From Competition To Complementarity: Narrative Review Of Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy, Focused Ultrasound, And Radiofrequency Ablation In Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, Tirath Patel, Hamza Yousuf Ibrahim, Tanzeela Khan, Tehreem Tabrez, Sara Hussain, Alishba Fatima, Aaliya Junaid Siddiqui, Nikhilesh Anand

School of Medicine Publications

Minimally invasive neurosurgical techniques have emerged as a transformative paradigm, offering alternatives to conventional open approaches. The demand for safer, less invasive procedures accelerated the development of laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT), focused ultrasound (FUS), and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), each employing a distinct mechanism with unique clinical implications. The objective was to critically evaluate and contextualize LITT, FUS, and RFA with emphasis on their comparative efficacy, safety, and roles as competing or complementary technologies in minimally invasive neurosurgery. Literature published between 2005 and 2025 was identified through PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, using keywords “LITT,” “FUS,” “RFA,” “minimally invasive …

Diabetes Mellitus And Its Association With Tuberculosis Clinical Presentation And Treatment Outcomes: Results From A Prospective Cohort Study In Ghana, Monica Baaba Jones, Kwadwo Ansah Koram, Francis Anto, Michael Lauzardo, Blanca I. Restrepo, Margaret Lartey, Hafisatu Gbadamosi, Awewura Kwara

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Tuberculosis (TB)-diabetes is a growing public health threat in TB-endemic settings. We aimed to determine diabetes prevalence among TB patients in Greater Accra and its association with TB clinical presentation and treatment outcomes.

Methods: We enrolled 204 adults (≥20 years) with bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB across 14 health facilities. At treatment initiation, participants were screened for diabetes using self-report, fasting plasma glucose, and glycated hemoglobin, following standard diagnostic criteria. Baseline characteristics were recorded, and participants were followed to determine TB treatment outcomes. Associations between diabetes, baseline characteristics and treatment outcomes were assessed using bivariate and multivariate analysis in STATA. …

Emerging Paradigms In Connectome-Guided Neurosurgery For Central Nervous System Tumors: A Narrative Review Of Structural And Functional Connectomics, Tirath Patel, Hamza Yousuf Ibrahim, Muhammad Abbas, Muzna Amir Ali, Sana Sohrab, Kinza Nawaz, Syeda Ramish Zehra Kazmi, Bhumi Daishik Patel, Nikhilesh Anand

School of Medicine Publications

Connectomics is a comprehensive mapping of structural and functional brain networks. It has introduced a paradigm shift in neurosurgery by redefining brain tumors as network disorders rather than isolated lesions. Unlike traditional surgeries, connectome-guided neurosurgery conceptualizes brain tumors as network disorders and aims to preserve brain function in resection. The objective was to study the role of connectome-guided neurosurgery in the management of Central Nervous System tumors and the use of structural and functional connectomics in tumor resection while preserving neurological function. Articles have been identified by searches of PubMed, Scopus and Google scholar from January 2000 to May 2025, …

X-Linked Cancer-Associated Polypeptide (Xcp) From Lncrna1456 Modulates Phf8 Histone Demethylase Activity To Regulate The Epigenome, Gene Expression, And Cellular Pathways In Breast Cancer, Shrikanth S. Gadad, Cristel V. Camacho, Xuan Gong, Micah Thornton, Venkat S. Malladi, Anusha Nagari, Aishwarya Sundaresan, Tulip Nandu, Sneh Koul, Yan Peng, W. Lee Kraus

School of Medicine Publications

Recent studies have demonstrated that a subset of long “noncoding” RNAs (lncRNAs) produce functional polypeptides and proteins. In this study, we discovered a 132 amino acid protein in human breast cancer cells named XCP (X-linked Cancer-associated Polypeptide), which is encoded by lncRNA1456 (a.k.a. RHOXF1P3), a transcript previously thought to be noncoding. lncRNA1456 is a pancreas- and testis-specific RNA whose gene is located on chromosome X. We found that the expression of lncRNA1456 and XCP is highly upregulated in the luminal A, luminal B, and HER2 molecular subtypes of breast cancer. XCP modulates both estrogen-dependent and estrogen-independent growth of breast …

Platelet Rich Plasma Injection Treatment Outcomes In Patellar Tendinopathy, Hunter M. Butler, Aamir Ahmad

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Platelet rich plasma (PRP) refers to the processed product of autologous peripheral blood with a concentration of platelets higher than baseline. This product has garnered interest for 30 years as a potential method of regenerative medicine. PRP injections have shown to be an effective treatment for patellar tendinopathy. However, some concerns remain with regards to empiric treatment of tendinopathy with PRP injections.

Objective: This article aims to investigate the outcomes of platelet rich plasma injections in patients with patellar tendonitis.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) online database. The …

Predictors Of Total Hip Arthroplasty Among Patients With Chronic Comorbidities: A Multivariate Analysis Of A Medically Underserved Region, Blake C. Martin, Manoj Peiris

School of Medicine Publications

Background

THA is a common orthopedic procedure that is expected to increase in the coming years. Obesity and osteoarthritis are major factors that increase the risk of individuals requiring THA. The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is a distinctive health professional shortage area with high rates of obesity, arthritis, and diabetes. This study aims to examine the relationship between chronic medical conditions and the need for THA in this at-risk, medically underserved population.

Methods

This investigation employed a retrospective chart review encompassing patient records from January 1, 2018, through January 1, 2025, using the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley electronic …

Trends In Meningioma-Related Mortality Among U.S. Adults: A Cdc Wonder Analysis From 2000 To 2023, Tirath Patel, Rai Muhammad Umar Khan, Fatima Hussain, Meer Murtaza, Muhammad Shayan Tariq, Abuzar Khan, Sara Aleem, Maryam Athar, Sharoz Shahid, Nikhilesh Anand

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors in the United States, comprising nearly 41% of central nervous system tumors. While the majority are benign, atypical (World Health Organization Grade II) and malignant (Grade III) subtypes are clinically significant due to their aggressive biology, higher recurrence, and increased mortality risk. Despite their burden, national mortality trends and demographic disparities in meningioma-related deaths remain underexplored.

Methods: We conducted a population-based analysis of meningioma-related mortality among U.S. adults aged ≥65 years from 1999 to 2023 using the centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) wide-ranging online data for epidemiologic research (WONDER) …

When Birth Control Turns Biliary: A Rare Case Of Profound Hyperbilirubinemia From Oral Contraceptives, Taiwo Ajani, Aura Calderon, Jose J. Loayza Pintado, Nayiri Derian, Catherine Matos, Ivan Mogollon, Andres Suarez Parraga

School of Medicine Publications

Oral contraceptives (OCs) are extensively utilized and generally considered safe (reference); nonetheless, infrequent hepatobiliary complications such as cholestasis and hyperbilirubinemia have been documented, particularly among individuals with a genetic predisposition. We present a case involving a 19-year-old female who exhibited significant conjugated hyperbilirubinemia shortly after the commencement of OC therapy. Comprehensive investigations ruled out alternative causes, and the findings from liver biopsy, in conjunction with the clinical context, indicated an estrogen-induced cholestatic injury, likely revealing an underlying Dubin–Johnson syndrome. This case underscores the critical necessity of acknowledging hepatic adverse effects associated with estrogen as well as the influence of genetic …

Collaborative Care For Depression In Chronic Illness: A Narrative Review, Chun Wong, German E. Corso

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Depression commonly coexists with chronic medical illness and is associated with impaired self-management, poor adherence, increased healthcare utilization, and higher mortality.

Objective: To synthesize evidence published between 2000 and late 2025 on the effectiveness of the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) for depression in adults with chronic medical illness, with particular attention to contemporary U.S. implementation, policy, and equity considerations.

Methods: A narrative review of randomized controlled trials, pragmatic and implementation studies, systematic reviews, and policy analyses was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus. Evidence addressing collaborative care for depression in adults with chronic medical illness was identified and synthesized …

Bioinformatics Analysis Of Trpv1 Expression And Its Role In Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prognosis, Vivek K. Kashyap, Bhuvnesh P. Sharma, Himanshu N. Singh, Sanjay Kumar, Deepak Verma, Deepak Parashar, Murali M. Yallapu, Everardo Cobos, Subhash Chauhan

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most lethal malignancies globally, with a persistently poor prognosis due to late diagnosis and limited therapeutic options available. The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), a calcium-permeable cation channel, plays critical roles in cancer pathogenesis across several cancer types, but its role in HCC remains poorly defined.

Methods: We performed an integrative bioinformatics analysis of TRPV1 utilizing multiple public databases, including TCGA, GEO, TIMER, UALCAN, cBioPortal, LinkedOmics, and COSMIC in HCC. We examined the TRPV1 expression profile, prognostic significance, genetic alterations, DNA methylation status, co-expression networks, and correlations with immune infiltration. Single-cell RNA …

Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury After Thrombectomy For Ischemic Stroke: Prognostic Impact And Can-Rest Predictive Score, Ghil Schwarz, Angelo Cascio Rizzo, Gareth Ambler, Pawel Wrona, Agnieszka Slowik, Szymonn Kotas, Mohamed F. Doheim, Alhamza R. Al-Bayati, Raul G. Nogueira, Ameer E. Hassan, Samantha Miller

School of Medicine Publications

Background and objectives: Contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) is a potentially preventable complication after exposure to iodinated contrast media. In patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS), the incidence and clinical impact are poorly characterized, and no validated prediction tool is currently available. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and prognostic significance of CA-AKI in EVT-treated patients with AIS and to develop and validate a predictive score.

Methods: A retrospective, multicenter cohort study was conducted involving EVT-treated patients across 73 centers in 16 countries (January-December 2023). Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years, absence …

External Fixation Assisted Intramedullary Total Femur Arthroplasty: A Case Report, Matthew Hnatow, Blake Martin, Emma Herrera

School of Medicine Publications

Introduction:Total femur replacement (TFR) is a salvage procedure for patients with multiple failed hip and knee arthroplasties and is associated with high complication rates. Intramedullary TFR has emerged as a technique to preserve critical soft tissue attachments; however, maintaining limb length, alignment, and rotation remains challenging.

Case Presentation: We describe a novel case of intramedullary TFR utilizing external fixation to address these technical challenges. A 64-year-old male with subsidence of a hinged knee tumor prosthesis to the level of the greater trochanter underwent intramedullary TFR. External fixation was applied to the residual femoral and tibial bones to maintain …

Development Of A Survey And Worry Score To Evaluate Physician Burnout And Wellness Interventions During Covid-19 In The Rio Grande Valley: A Pilot Study, Victoria Jacobsen, Ericka Vazquez, Lauren Herrera, Ruth Escalera, Daniel Salinas, Bharathi Gadad, Juan Carlos Lopez-Alvarenga, Kelsey Potter-Baker

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Current research on physician burnout is limited in rural communities and physicians caring for the medically underserved. This study aimed to create an instrument to quantify the rate of physician burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify effective coping interventions in an underserved mixed rural-urban region along the Texas-Mexico border.

Methods: We conducted a regional study in a sample of US physicians using a structured questionnaire developed by a multidisciplinary group. Thirty-one participants were contacted over a five-week period between December 2022 to January 2023. Participants self-selected based on their experiences of burnout during various phases of the COVID-19 …

Cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman Disease Misdiagnosed As Granulomatous Dermatitis: A Diagnostic Pitfall, Sri Naidnur, Jamie Hedrick, Smaran Marupudi, Kara Asbury, Kelly Maedo, Bryan Gammon, Rick Lin

School of Medicine Publications

Cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman disease (CRDD) is an uncommon non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis that may occur without systemic involvement and lacks specific clinical features. We report a 17-year-old female with a slowly enlarging chest lesion initially diagnosed as granulomatous dermatitis on a 4-mm punch biopsy. The lesion was treated as an inflammatory process without improvement. Complete excision revealed a multinodular dermal and subcutaneous infiltrate of large histiocytes demonstrating emperipolesis, confirming CRDD. Systemic evaluation was negative. The initial limited biopsy did not capture defining features, delaying diagnosis.

Persistent nodular lesions that fail to respond to therapy should prompt reconsideration and more representative tissue sampling. …

Symptomatic Manifestations Of Hip Dysplasia In Young Adults: How Do Patients Present Before Or After Surgery? Results From A Social Media Cohort, John M. Gaddis, Amanda J. Wheeler, Erika Shults, Charles South, Stephen T. Duncan, Joel Wells

School of Medicine Publications

This study aimed to analyse the symptomatic differences of hip dysplasia before or after separate surgical interventions, including pain location and characteristics, severity, patient-reported outcomes, and a body pain diagram. A REDCap-based survey was distributed through social media from October 2023 to May 2024 and targeted individuals with current or past hip pain. The survey gathered data on demographics, comprehensive hip-specific history, and various patient-reported outcome measures. Of 509 completed surveys, 287 respondents reported a diagnosis of hip dysplasia and were divided into cohorts based on treatment history: no surgery (n = 65), post-periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) (n = 162), post-THA …

Three-Dimensional Printing Of The Epineurium For Peripheral Nerve Repair: A Comprehensive Review Of Novel Scaffolds For Nerve Conduits, Alynah J. Adams, Iulianna C. Taritsa, Kaavian Shariati, Aaron Dadzie, Jose A. Foppiani, Maria Jose Escobar-Domingo, Daniela Lee, Angelica Hernandez-Alvarez, Kirsten Schuster, Helen Xun

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Nerve conduits are used to bridge peripheral nerve defects caused by trauma, iatrogenic injury, or oncologic disruption. Three-dimensional (3D) biomimetic scaffolds for peripheral nerve regeneration have advanced significantly in recent years, driven by improvements in printing technology and neuronal seeding techniques. We report on published designer conduits that can recreate the epineurium, a critical yet challenging-to-manufacture feature of nerve tissue.

Methods: A medical librarian conducted a literature search for our systematic review on EMBASE, Web of Science, and PUBMED, following PRISMA guidelines, for articles from January 2010 to January 2026 for the systematic review. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed …

Computational Discovery Of Sars-Cov-2 Viral Entry Inhibitory Peptides From Androctonus Mauretanicus Scorpion Venom: Molecular Docking And Molecular Dynamics Simulations Targeting The Spike Protein, Reda Chahir, Salaheddine Redouane, Jacob Galan, Hicham Hboub, Lahoussaine Aserrar, Salma Chakir, Ahmed Salim Lahlou, Hinde Aassila, Rachid El Fatimy, Naoual Oukkache

School of Medicine Publications

Background and Objective: 

While vaccination remains central to controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants with partial resistance to immune responses has highlighted the need for complementary therapeutic strategies. Among these, antiviral agents that inhibit viral entry mechanisms are of particular interest. Animal venoms, especially scorpion venoms, are a rich source of bioactive peptides with potential antiviral properties. This study aimed to evaluate peptides derived from the Moroccan scorpion Androctonus mauretanicus as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein, which mediates virus entry into host cells via ACE2 receptor binding.

Material and Methodology: 

Six peptides from the venom of the …

Striving To Become A Dean Of Faculty Affairs And Development, Beatriz Tapia, Guadalupe Federico-Martinez

School of Medicine Publications

Academic medicine allows you to grow in your field of expertise and interest. Yet, the guidance you receive will provide you with the path toward successful professorial promotion. As a dean of faculty affairs and development, there is no greater pleasure than serving as a guide for faculty across their life cycle from recruitment to retirement and everything in between. In this chapter, you will find information regarding the dean of faculty affairs and development role. Depending on the maturity of your institution, you will need to define who is intended for you to serve and where the greatest needs …

Association Of Human Papillomavirus On Risk Of Hiv Acquisition In African Women: Analyses From Mtn-020/Aspire, Christine L. Hathaway, Elizabeth R. Brown, Stephen Cherne, Alyssa L. Sepulveda, Zvavahera M. Chirenje, Nitesha Jeenarain, Logashvari Naidoo, Samantha Siva, Nishanta Singh, Kubashni Woeber

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Observational data on the synergy between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and risk for HIV acquisition are needed. HPV clearance, associated with an influx of cells targeted by HIV, may increase HIV risk. This study examined the association between HPV and HIV acquisition using endocervical swabs collected in MTN-020/ASPIRE.

Methods: Healthy, sexually active women without HIV participating in the ASPIRE dapivirine ring study in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe provided endocervical swabs monthly, which were tested for HPV-DNA. HPV status was classified into prevalent, persistent (HPV+ for at least 4 months), HPV clearance (HPV+ followed by HPV-), HPV acquisition …

Perceived Stress And Subjective Happiness In Medical Students Before And After A Wellness Speaker Session, Smaran Marupudi, Jared Hensley, Sriya Gullapalli, David Sta. Maria, Nikhilesh Anand

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Medical students experience psychological stress due to academic workload, thereby leading to a reduction in overall well-being. In response, medical schools are incorporating wellness activities into the curriculum. However, single-session events have not been rigorously evaluated. This pilot study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a single-session speaker event and examined pre- versus post-event differences in mean stress and happiness scores among survey respondents.

Methods: This study used anonymous, unlinked, pre- and post-event cross-sectional surveys to compare group-level perceived stress and subjective happiness among medical students attending a single-session wellness speaker event. First- and second-year medical students completed validated …

Prior Head Circumference Measurements In Infants With Older Subdural Hematomas: Did We Miss It?, Maryann Alvarez Griffis, Nancy D. Kellogg, Wouter Koek

School of Medicine Publications

Objective: To establish whether infants with macrocephaly and non-acute subdural hematomas (SDHs) had missed opportunities for measuring fronto-occipital circumference (FOC) and obtaining neuroimaging prior to diagnosis. Macrocephaly due to SDH in infancy is initially detected by FOC measurements and/or neuroimaging, as neurologic symptoms may be subtle or missed.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of infants with macrocephaly and non-acute SDHs referred to child abuse pediatricians for suspected abusive head trauma (AHT) over an 8-year period. A study sample of 35 infants met inclusion criteria and had complete prior medical records which were reviewed for missed opportunities for earlier SDH diagnosis. Four …

Atypical High-Burden Breakthrough Varicella: A Diagnostic Pitfall In The Two-Dose Vaccine Era, Smaran Marupudi, Jared Hensley, Robert Vezzetti

School of Medicine Publications

We present the case of a seven-year-old fully immunized male who developed an intensely pruritic, generalized maculopapular rash that progressed to vesicles. The patient’s rash was initially diagnosed by his primary care provider as possible scabies and treated with topical permethrin. Our examination revealed a diffuse maculopapular and vesicular exanthem with lesions at various stages of evolution, eventually progressing to secondary cellulitis. The patient’s presentation, consistent with varicella (chickenpox), highlights the diagnostic challenges of breakthrough varicella infection and potential complications in fully vaccinated children. Thus, we highlight the importance of having a high clinical index of suspicion for varicella, even …

Computational Repurposing And Experimental Validation Of Ybx1 Inhibitors In Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Omar Karkoutly, Veerababu Nagati, Subhash Chauhan, Manish Tripathi

School of Medicine Publications

Background/Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer worldwide. While early-stage HCC can often be treated with surgical resection, ablation, or liver transplantation, advanced disease typically relies on systemic chemotherapy. Sorafenib is the standard first-line therapy for advanced and unresectable HCC; however, both intrinsic and acquired resistance remain major clinical challenges. The Y-box binding protein-1 (YBX1), a transcription factor implicated in drug resistance across multiple cancers, is highly expressed in HCC and represents a potential therapeutic target. This study aimed to identify novel YBX1 inhibitors using a drug repurposing strategy to overcome sorafenib resistance. Methods: A …

Safety And Feasibility During Early Implementation Of Robotic-Assisted Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, Dung Thuong Ho, Manh Cuong Nguyen, Tran Tran Nguyen, Long Tran, Huy Nguyen, Dil Mai, Tuong Mien Ngo, Duc Chinh Nguyen, Chi Cuong Tran, Khiem D. Ngo

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Robotic-assisted Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (R-PCI) is an advanced technique offering potential advantages for both patients and interventional cardiology practices. In 2023, Can Tho S.I.S General Hospital implemented its first robotic system for PCI procedures. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and clinical outcomes during the early learning curve of R-PCI.

Methods: This prospective study included all patients undergoing R-PCI with the CorPath GRX Vascular Robotic System at Can Tho S.I.S General Hospital from April to September 2023. Baseline patient characteristics, procedural details, and six-month follow-up data were collected. Primary outcomes included Clinical Success, defined as < 30% residual diameter stenosis in the target vessel without major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during hospitalization (e.g., death, myocardial infarction, target-vessel revascularization, stroke), and robotic success, defined as achieving clinical success with partial manual support or no manual support.

Results: Thirty-one patients …

Comparative Safety, Efficacy, And Predictors Of Complete Occlusion Of Flow Diverter Devices In The Treatment Of Unruptured Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysms, Hamza Adel Salim, Luca Scarcia, Frédéric Clarençon, Orabi Hajjeh, Motaz Daraghma, Davide Simonato, Yan-Lin Li, Eimad Shotar, Kevin Premat, Ameer E. Hassan

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Flow diverters (FDs) are increasingly used for cerebral aneurysms, including distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms, but comparative data between devices in this challenging location are limited.

Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of Pipeline, Silk Vista Baby (SVB), and FRED Jr. FDs for unruptured DACA aneurysms and identify predictors of complete occlusion.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 166 patients treated with FDs at 39 centers in 14 countries (2018–2022) from the CRETA registry. Outcomes included aneurysm occlusion (O’Kelly–Marotta [OKM] scale), complications, retreatment, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores, and independent predictors of complete occlusion using multivariable Cox regression.

Results: …

Trends In The Psychedelic Renaissance: Applying Artificial Intelligence To Measure Media Portrayal Of Psychedelic Drugs In The 21st Century, David A. Bender, Harrison M. Dunn, Amanda Pekau, Arushi D. Mohite, Akila Anandarajah, Brendan D. Ross, Jacob Steinle, Suraj Shankar, Brandon Kiley, Umer Jalil

School of Medicine Publications

Background: The relationship between media portrayal of psychedelic drugs, scientific research and drug policy is an area of debate.

Aims: To apply artificial intelligence technology to measure trends in media sentiment towards the therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs.

Method: Up to 300 of the most relevant articles from Google News searches for the term 'psychedelics' were sampled for each year from 2000 to 2025. A large language model, ChatGPT, evaluated subject matter and sentiment.

Results: In total, 88.3% of screened URLs (3308 of 3747) were included in the analysis. The proportion of articles focusing on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics …

Prevalence Of Premenstrual Syndrome, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, And Dysmenorrhea In Nursing Students: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, And Evidence-Based Recommendations, Sabyasachi Maity, Bharathi Gadad, Hansapani Rodrigo, Seham Noorani, Ayesha Usman, Chloe Lark, Mona Attarpour, Ivy Mageto, Lucas Schwartz, Nikhilesh Anand

School of Medicine Publications

Introduction: Menstrual disorders—including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and dysmenorrhea—are highly prevalent among women of reproductive age and are associated with impaired academic performance, psychological distress, and reduced social functioning. Nursing students are particularly vulnerable due to the combined demands of intensive academic schedules and clinical training, yet prevalence estimates and institutional responses remain inconsistent.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251109363). PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL Ultimate, and APA PsycINFO were searched for studies published between 2016 and 2025. Eligible studies reported prevalence or …

Hyperdensity On Head Ct—An Imaging Review, Ramsis Benjamin, Christian Menard, Erik Larson

School of Medicine Publications

The 3D images derived from non-contrast Computed Tomography (NCCT) scans provide a glimpse into the intra- and extracranial structures, based on the ability of electromagnetic X-rays to penetrate through various tissue densities. The gray matter, for example, possesses a higher density than the white matter, absorbs more X-rays, allows less penetration (attenuation), and thus has larger Hounsfield units (HU), the mathematical value of attenuation coefficient. The CT scanner’s wide availability and ease of use allow for quick assessment of acute neurosurgical abnormalities, such as hemorrhages, mass effect, hydrocephalus, and traumatic injuries. An attenuation value of +60 to +90 HU generally …

Comorbidity Profiles Associated With Total Knee Arthroplasty In A Medically Underserved Population, Blake C. Martin, Manoj Peiris

School of Medicine Publications

Introduction: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common orthopedic procedure that is increasing in incidence and prevalence and is rising in younger populations. The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) represents a medically underserved region in the southern United States characterized by high rates of chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and arthritis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between pre-existing chronic medical conditions and TKA within this medically underserved and at-risk population.

Methods: This retrospective chart review was conducted using data obtained from University of Texas Rio Grande Valley medical records spanning January 1, 2018, through January …

Assessing Social Determinants Of Health Training In Graduate Medical Education: A Narrative Review Using Kirkpatrick’S Model, Surya Namboodiri, Bharathi Gadad, Juan Lopez-Alvarenga, Chelsea Chang

School of Medicine Publications

Social determinants of health (SDOH) training is a critical component of medical education, equipping physicians to address factors such as economic stability, education, and health care access. Despite its importance, the evaluation of SDOH training often focuses on lower-level outcomes, such as learner satisfaction and knowledge assessment, with limited emphasis on behavioral change and patient outcomes. Kirkpatrick’s model offers a validated framework for addressing this gap by categorizing training outcomes into four levels: Reaction, Learning, Behavior, and Results.

By applying Kirkpatrick’s model in combination with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) quality assessment and bibliometric network analysis, this …