Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Enhancing Public Awareness And Communication On Indoor Radon Risk, Margarita Kuqali, Ylli Kaçiu, Gazmend Nafezi, Frank Holzwarth

UBT International Conference

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and the second leading cause of lung cancer, particularly among non-smokers. Despite its health risks, public awareness of indoor radon exposure remains low in many countries, including Kosovo. Traditional risk communication often struggles to engage diverse populations or adapt to modern digital habits. This paper explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance radon awareness through intelligent communication tools. Natural language processing (NLP) and AI-powered chatbots can deliver instant, personalized, and accessible information tailored to different languages, literacy levels, and cultural contexts. Additionally, sentiment analysis of social media can detect misconceptions and …

Ribosome Biogenesis, Function, And Therapeutic Targeting: From Cancer To Genetic Disease, Anjeza Temaj, Yllka Gashi, Erda Aliu, Sefedin Bilalli, Driton Selmani, Gazmend Temaj, Nexhibe Nuhi

UBT International Conference

Ribosome biogenesis and function are vital for cellular protein synthesis and are profoundly altered in cancer and various genetic diseases. Enhanced ribosome production and mutations in ribosomal proteins contribute to malignancy, positioning the ribosome as a promising therapeutic target. Advances in understanding ribosomal regulation, including the pivotal tumor suppressor p53, nonsense mutation readthrough therapies, and the impact of alternative splicing, have revealed new strategies for intervention in both cancer and rare ribosomopathies. Pharmacological inhibition of ribosome biogenesis, selective ribosome editing, and modulation of post-translational modifications offer potential to disrupt tumor proliferation or restore functional proteins in genetic disorders. Technologies like …

Targeted Therapies And Molecular Advances In Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Epidemiology, Genetics, And Future Directions, Erda Aliu, Anjeza Temaj, Yllka Gashi, Driton Selmani, Sefedin Bilalli, Gazmend Temaj, Nexhibe Nuhi

UBT International Conference

Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pALL) remains the most common childhood malignancy, comprising approximately 30% of all pediatric cancers and demonstrating remarkable heterogeneity in disease biology and treatment response. Advances in risk stratification, driven by cytogenetic and genomic profiling—including identification of aneuploidy, chromosomal translocations, and key mutations—have enabled substantial improvements in cure rates, now reaching 80-90% in developed settings. This review synthesizes current epidemiological trends, known genetic drivers such as PAX5, IKZF1, and TP53, and the implementation of precision medicine approaches. Special considerations are given to high-risk subgroups (Down syndrome–associated ALL and relapsed/refractory cases), the impact of pharmacogenetics on therapy personalization, …

Usage Of Biomaterials In Contemporary Periodontology, Lumturie Asllani Hashani, Ana Minovska, Mihajlo Petrovski, Merita Sveqla, Doruntina Shehu

UBT International Conference

The main aim of this article was to make a literature review about biomaterial-based bone replacement grafts, and membrane alternatives that can have periodontal applications. A variety of clinical methods and materials have been investigated over last decades for reparation and regeneration of periodontal defects. The available therapeutic options and their clinical outcomes have improved significantly due to the invention of advanced biomaterials for periodontal tissue engineering. Among the effective grafting materials are allografts, and their use has shown a substantial degree of bone growth and proliferation, making them a wise choice for the restoration of missing bone, caused by …

Demystifying Research Reviews, Sandra Y. Desjardins, Jennifer Stockton, Madison Hastings

Library Class: Lunch & Learn

Feeling lost in a sea of research articles? Unsure which studies you can trust to inform your work?

In this 30-minute session, we'll demystify the world of research reviews, teaching you how to quickly and confidently navigate the literature like a pro. You'll move beyond feeling overwhelmed and become a research detective, equipped to find and evaluate the best evidence.

14th International Conference On Business, Technology And Innovation 2025, University For Business And Technology - Ubt

UBT International Conference

Welcome to IC – UBT 2025

UBT Annual International Conference is the 14th international interdisciplinary peer reviewed conference which publishes works of the scientists as well as practitioners in the area where UBT is active in Education, Research and Development. The UBT aims to implement an integrated strategy to establish itself as an internationally competitive, research-intensive university, committed to the transfer of knowledge and the provision of a world-class education to the most talented students from all background. The main perspective of the conference is to connect the scientists and practitioners from different disciplines in the same place and make …

“The Gout: A Medical Microcosm In A Changing World”, Dorian Haskard

History of Medicine Seminar

Topics discussed in this session:

• The Gout in the Eighteenth Century
• Food availability
• Gout as a modern medical microcosm
• Causes of hyperuricaemia and gout

Pcornet’S Patient Advisory Councils Relevance To Research, Toni Hill

Mountain Plains Business Conference

This presentation will provide an overview of the UNMC award and UNK sub-award with the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Network (PCORnet) specific to the research of patient and family-focused research using the Patient Advisory Council (PAC) framework. The UNMC PCORnet project is now in Phase 4 (2025 – 2029). This four-year, $13,500,000 project includes 14 partner organizations as part of the Great Plains Collaborative (GPC) with data from 8.9 million unique individuals across 14 states. This presentation will begin a discussion related to the uniqueness of patient engagement, community engagement, and Patient Advisory Council engagement.

Ai In Medical Practice And Education: A Work In Progress, John Westhoff

AI in the Classroom: A Virtual Summit

At the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, we’ve been working for the past two years to integrate AI into pre-clinical medical education in ways that prepare students for the tools and challenges of future AI-augmented clinical practice. This includes formal curricular workshop exposure and guided experimentation with AI in data-driven capstone projects. In addition, ongoing projects include the pilot of a research design and workflow tool and the integration of ambient documentation into our simulation center. This session will reflect on what we’ve done, what we’re building toward, and what we’ve learned along the way, shaped by ever …

Teaching, Building, Learning: Ai In Nursing Education, Jennifer Vanderlaan, Lisa Nicholas, Necole Leland

AI in the Classroom: A Virtual Summit

The session is grounded in two guiding frameworks. The ADDIE instructional design model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) structures how AI can be systematically integrated into teaching practice, from identifying learning needs to evaluating outcomes. The RISEN framework (Role, Input, Steps, Evaluation, Next) provides faculty with a structured method for developing effective AI prompts and maintaining academic rigor. Together, these frameworks highlight how AI can be embedded purposefully rather than opportunistically.

Participants will leave with strategies for incorporating AI into their own courses, including techniques for building equitable group work, creating adaptable case studies, and designing assignments that encourage students …

Tableau Part Ii - October 2025, Rubab Shahzad

Day Family Research Lab Workshop Series

Part Two of Introduction to Tableau. Learn to make cool visualizations using Tableau. A hands-on opportunity where we will go over calculated fields, hierarchies, unions, dashboards, and stories.

Prior experience with Tableau is recommended

Decoding Genetic And Network Signatures Of Susceptibility To Orthodontic Root Resorption: Toward Predictive And Personalized Orthodontics, Casey Morishige, Morgan Mecham, Gabriel Eisenhuth, Shilpa Bhandi, Frank Licari, Shankargouda Patil

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Associations Between Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness And Cerebral Small Vessel Disease, Alexa E. Nichols, Silvia Mejia-Arango, Jorge Igor Zwir, Andrew Tsin, Lorena Flores-Hernandez, Eron G. Manusov, Gladys E. Maestre, Amin Ibrahim, Tori Sayers, Jesus Melgarejo

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a major vascular contributor to cognitive impairment and dementia. CSVD affects the deep and subcortical cerebral white matter.^1,2 The retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and cerebral white matter share a common embryological origin, with RNFL ganglion cell axons structurally analogous to cerebral white matter tracts.^3,4 This connection creates an opportunity to investigate whether structural changes in the RNFL reflect pathological changes in the cerebral white matter.^3,5,6 While most studies examining the relationship between RNFL and CSVD focus on specific comorbidities (e.g., patients with stroke or with cognitive impairment)^2,6,7,8, …

Developing Pico, Research Questions And Protocols, Sandra Y. Desjardins

Library Class: Lunch & Learn

Whether you're a student, a physician, or a faculty member, every great research project starts with a clear plan. This session will walk you through the essential steps of turning a research idea into a structured plan using the PICO framework. We'll cover how to develop focused research questions and discuss the value of using established protocols to ensure your work is sound and reproducible.

Come learn the foundational skills needed for successful research in a welcoming and practical "Lunch & Learn" environment.

A Novel Scaffold-Based Model For Stage Ii Pressure Injury Simulation: Protocol Development And Future Directions In Tissue Engineering, Skyler B. Wrubleski

Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Symposium

This study developed a 3D tissue-engineered scaffold to mimic human sacral skin for modeling pressure injuries. The scaffold consisted of a composite hydrogel of sodium alginate, gelatin, and tannic acid, crosslinked with calcium chloride. Swelling tests showed moderate hydration capacity, while wound mimic formation using a custom 3D-printed apparatus produced consistent morphology and dimensions comparable to human dermal tissue. The scaffold maintained structural integrity under prolonged compressive forces, demonstrating viability for pressure injury studies. Future work will incorporate a bilayer model with keratinocytes and fibroblasts and introduce elastin to enhance elasticity and mechanical properties. This approach aims to improve in …

A Picture Puzzle Approach To Microbes, Infectious Diseases, History And Art, Adarsh Bhimraj

History of Medicine Seminar

Topics covered in this session:

• What is proper attire for doctors to wear?
• Why read history?
• Picture Puzzles

Comparative Oncogenic Phenotypes Of Polyclonal And Monoclonal Ybx1-Expressing Hcc Cell Lines, Yamile Abuchard Anaya, Kaylee Renteria, Veerababu Nagati, Manish K. Tripathi

Research Colloquium

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and disproportionately affects underserved populations due to socioeconomic and healthcare disparities. The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) in South Texas exemplifies this issue, with high rates of obesity, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and viral hepatitis (B and C)—all major risk factors for HCC. McAllen, Texas, part of the RGV, is notably one of the most obese cities in the U.S., exacerbating HCC prevalence and severity in this region. Late-stage diagnosis remains a critical challenge due to limited access to screening and early intervention.

Sorafenib, a first-line …

Vitamin B12 Deficiency As A Clue For Atrophic Gastritis: A Case Report And Review Of Updated Surveillance Guidelines, Nathaniel Alvarez, Erik Hinojosa, Blake Martin, Everardo Cobos, Chelsea Chang

Research Colloquium

Background: Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common finding in older adults, which can be attributed to either malnutrition or malabsorption. Despite the commonality of Vitamin B12 deficiency, autoimmune gastritis remains an underrecognized cause of Vitamin B12 deficiency in this population. In autoimmune gastritis, direct parietal cell destruction and loss of intrinsic factor leads to chronic inflammation, which can cause gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia. These cellular changes may increase the risk for gastric adenocarcinoma. Recent American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) updates recommend targeted evaluation and endoscopic surveillance for atrophic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia in high-risk patients. This case highlights vitamin B12 …

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

Research Colloquium

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

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

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

Research Colloquium

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

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

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

Research Colloquium

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

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

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

Research Colloquium

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

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

Research Colloquium

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

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

Research Colloquium

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

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

Research Colloquium

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

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

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

Research Colloquium

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

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

Research Colloquium

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

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

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

Research Colloquium

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

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

Research Colloquium

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

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

Research Colloquium

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

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