Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Regional Disparities In The Diagnostic Age Of Skin Carcinomas: An Analysis Of The Rio Grande Valley, Miguel A. Lopez, Natasha Quailes, Elias Arellano Villanueva, Maria Villegas

Research Colloquium

The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is a region of South Texas with limited dermatologic diagnostic data, particularly among non-melanoma skin carcinomas. The rising rates of chronic conditions and mortality can be attributed to the limited access to healthcare in the region, with skin conditions taking less priority in patients with numerous comorbidities. Data on the age of diagnosis for skin carcinomas between 1995-2019 for Hispanic and non-Hispanic individuals was obtained from the Texas Cancer Registry. It is important to note that the TCR considers primary skin cancers, such as basal and squamous cell carcinoma coded as C44.0-C44.9, as non-reportable cases. …

An Analysis Of The Diagnostic Age Of Skin Carcinomas Across Central Texas, Miguel A. Lopez, Natasha Quailes, Elias Arellano Villanueva, Hamaad Gohar, Maria Villegas

Research Colloquium

Patients seeking healthcare in medically underserved regions often require travel to larger metropolitan hubs across the state of Texas. The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is home to many such patients who often travel to central Texas for care, which compounds expense and inconvenience. Pockets of central Texas have been reported to have an increased number of dermatologists per 100,000 people. Bexar county ranks among the five most populous counties in the state, with increased access to dermatologic care compared to nearby regions. Using data from the Texas Cancer Registry, this project aims to identify the mean (M) age of diagnosis …

Cerebral Malaria In Chad- A Case Report Series, Megan W. Szobody, Blaise Djomg Yang, Noel Johnson, Kelsey Potter-Baker

Research Colloquium

Malaria is a serious disease caused by various species of the Plasmodium genus. Among these, Plasmodium falciparum is widely considered the most dangerous, due to its ability to infect both young and mature red blood cells (RBCs). Malarial disease, caused primarily by P. falciparum, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa, and notably in Chad, accounting for over 10,000 deaths each year and with an incidence rate of over 3 million. Anyone can acquire falciparum malaria after being bitten by infected anopheles mosquitoes, but in pregnant women and young children, this disease is often deadly. A …

Determining The Effects Of An Hiv Infective Model On The Development Of Neuropathic Pain In Alzheimer’S Disease Model Mice., Ayesha Usman, Megan W. Szobody, Jose Rios, Mohammed Alnoud, Khalid Benamar

Research Colloquium

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of the Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in producing neuropathic pain in an Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) mouse model. HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 is correlated with increased release of thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia mediators from astrocytes and glial cells in rodents, producing the identifiable symptoms of neuropathic pain. Similarly, studies show that 45.8% of AD patients experience chronic pain. The production of an HIV/AD comorbid mouse model will be useful in determining important pathological pathways for neuropathic pain and is vital to future studies in therapeutic approaches to these conditions. Two …

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Presenting As Painless Parotitis In A 65-Year-Old Male: A Case Report, Mary Arden G. Guillory, Ashlyn Holubar

Research Colloquium

Background: Lymphoma is a malignancy of lymphocytes, which are progenitors to B-cell lymphocytes and T-cell lymphocytes (Padala and Kallam 2025). Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (31% of adult cases), typically presenting in males in their 60s (Thandra, Barsouk et al. 2021). Typical B symptoms include fever, night sweats, and weight loss; however, atypical presentations can delay diagnosis and treatment. Prompt treatment of DLBCL is crucial to maximize the chances of remission and potential cure. Treatment depends on staging and disease type but with appropriate chemotherapy, survival can be long and possibly curative. …

Influence Of Epidemiological Factors On Facial Trauma Incidence In Texas: A Five-Year Retrospective Analysis, Mary Arden G. Guillory, Ashlyn Holubar, Isabella Ortigoza, Jocelyn Torres, Saloni Saldhi, Shaika Padhi, Kelsey Potter-Baker

Research Colloquium

Background: Most facial fractures are diagnosed and triaged in the emergency room after traumatic accidents. Previous studies indicate that mandible fractures are the most common facial fractures requiring surgery. Current literature suggests that facial fractures incidence and severity are influenced by demographics, however, evidence remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the location of facial fractures and patient demographics in Texas, aiding healthcare workers in assessing risk factors for facial trauma.

Methods: We analyzed publicly available data from the Department of State Health Services trauma database for 2018 – 2022. We evaluated ICD-10 codes for facial …

Triple Or Double? Safety Holds Steady In Acute Stenting, Marlon C. Monayao, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Samantha Miller, Ameer E. Hassan

Research Colloquium

Background: Acute stenting is typically performed for patients presenting with focal neurological deficits due to intracranial or extracranial atherosclerotic stenosis. Following the procedure, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) regimen is commonly prescribed to reduce the risk of in-stent thrombosis. However, very few studies have examined safety outcomes in patients already on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) who undergo acute carotid or intracranial stenting with subsequent dual anti-platelet regimen (DAPT). The combination of DOAC and DAPT, referred here as triple therapy, is controversial given the increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation. This retrospective cohort study aims to analyze the safety of triple therapy …

No Safety Trade-Off: Triple Therapy Matches Dapt In Acute Stenting With Thrombectomy, Marlon C. Monayao, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Samantha Miller, Ameer E. Hassan

Research Colloquium

Background: Patients who acutely undergo intra- or extracranial stenting are typically placed on a dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) regimen to decrease the risk of in-stent thrombosis. However, initiating these medicines in patients who are already on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) is controversial due to the increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation. Studies have been done on patients with atrial fibrillation on DOACs who undergo coronary stenting and subsequently begun on DAPT, but there are no corollaries for patients undergoing acute carotid or intra-cranial stenting and associated safety outcomes. This retrospective cohort study aims to bridge that understanding and checked whether …

Expanding The Integrated Behavioral Health Workforce: The Interdisciplinary Integrated Primary And Behavioral Healthcare (I2pbh) Initiative, Maria Hernandez, J. Garza, Monica C. Perez, Deepu George

Research Colloquium

The I2PBH initiative offers a multi-faceted training model that integrates graduate coursework, technology-based education, and hands-on clinical experience. Students receive foundational and advanced instruction in the PCBH model, including brief evidence-based interventions, team-based care principles, population-based approaches, and culturally responsive practices. Trainees participate in interprofessional training within primary care settings under supervision, gaining exposure to the real-time pace and complexity of integrated behavioral health care.

Expanding Access To Behavioral Healthcare Through Workforce Development: Primary Care Behavioral Health Partnerships Advancing & Transforming Health Sciences (Pcbh Paths), Maria Hernandez, J. Garza, Monica C. Perez, Deepu George

Research Colloquium

PCBH PATHS is a multi-disciplinary training initiative that aims to impact 2,004 clinician learners, including 1,106 primary care provider (PCP) trainees, 818 mental health provider (MHP) trainees, and 80 PCP/MHP practitioners. Since 2019, PCBH has been implemented clinically and educationally in Family Medicine and Ob/Gyn residency programs to improve access to whole-health services and enhance provider competencies in delivering integrated care. Through a population health lens, PCBH PATHS equips care teams to manage conditions such as depression, chronic pain, diabetes, and substance use disorders. Its approach includes clinic readiness assessments, leadership engagement, workflow mapping, adapted training modules, and wellness programs …

Community Health Partnership Centers: Strengthening Access To Care In Underserved Communities, Lubeth Pérez, Miguel Jimenez, Xavier Duran, Leonel Vela

Research Colloquium

Purpose: The Community Health Partnership Centers were created through a shared vision and collaboration between UTRGV and its community partners to address health disparities in the Rio Grande Valley. Located in La Victoria, San Carlos, and Southmost, these centers provide accessible, affordable care embedded within neighborhoods that have historically faced barriers to healthcare. As part of the UTRGV School of Medicine’s mission to transform the health of the Rio Grande Valley through innovative education, community service, and high-quality, patient-centered care, the centers also serve as clinical training sites designed to cultivate a diverse healthcare workforce that is informed by and …

Misleading Elevated Psa Following Recent Prostate Manipulation: A Case Report And Review Of Appropriate Psa Screening, Luis Salcedo, Catherine Matos, Mohammad Aqueel

Research Colloquium

We present a case highlighting the pitfalls of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing shortly after prostate manipulation. A patient with obstructive uropathy and acute kidney injury underwent Foley catheter placement and was subsequently found to have a PSA of 261 ng/mL. A prostate biopsy revealed no evidence of malignancy. This case underscores the importance of timing and indications for PSA testing in outpatient settings and reinforces current screening guidelines.

Significant Association Discovered Between State Of Residence And The Acquisition Of Cervical Cancer Therapies Among Hispanics In Texas, California, And New York, Lois F. Baldado, Learsi R. De Hoyos, Shizue Mito

Research Colloquium

Background: Cervical cancer ranks 4th as the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide [1]. Within the United States, it is the third most common gynecological cancer [2]. Hispanic females had the highest incidence rate of cervical carcinoma between 2001 to 2018 [3]. Between 2017 and 2021, the incidence rate of cervical cancer in Hispanic females was 36% higher compared to White females [4].

The purpose of this retrospective study is to screen for a potential association between state residence in Texas, California, and New York and the acquisition of cervical cancer treatments among Hispanic women. We hypothesized there is a …

Remimazolam: Insight On Cellular Drug Action, Clinical Utilization, And Comparison To Well Known Anesthetics, Lois F. Baldado, Kaitlyn Ybanez, Daniela Ramos, David Sta Maria, Arjun Bellamkonda, Amin Ibrahim, Hugo Zamarron, Daniela Gonzalez, Angel Phillip, Sriya Gullapalli, Linwei Li, Jocelyn Torres, Annu Karithara, Jennifer Escamilla, Phyllis Yang, Shizue Mito

Research Colloquium

Background: Propofol and midazolam are routinely used as general anesthetics to enable optimal working conditions during surgical procedures. However, new evidence suggests their potential neurotoxic side effects in young pediatric and geriatric patients, such as long-term morphological and functional brain changes. Remimazolam, an intravenous anesthetic that was initially approved for general adult anesthesia by the FDA in 2020, gained attention for its potential in pediatric anesthesia [2]. Furthermore, the favorable safety profile of remimazolam may contribute to reducing the incidence of postoperative complications in pediatric and elderly populations [6]. This abstract aims to provide a current analysis of remimazolam: its …

Precision Medicine And Beyond: Evolving Roles Of Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy, And Artificial Intelligence In Oncology, Linwei Li, Anika Doppalapudi, Jennifer Escamilla, Annu Karithara, Christine Pham, Angel Phillip, Anjali Binoy, Sriya Gullapalli, Lois Baldado, Arjun Bellamkonda, Daniela Gonzalez, Amin Ibrahim, Daniela Ramos, David Sta. Maria, Kaitlyn Ybanez, Hugo Zamarron, Shizue Mito

Research Colloquium

Background: Precision medicine in oncology is an evolving therapeutic approach that leverages genetic, clinical, and biomarker data to tailor treatments to individual patients. This review explores the three core pillars of modern precision oncology: targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into clinical practice. Targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates, selectively inhibit molecular pathways involved in tumor growth. While conventional chemotherapy remains the backbone of treatment and has improved remission rates, its cytotoxic nature limits broader applicability and increases the risk of comorbidities. Immunotherapies, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies, have …

Deprescribing And Polypharmacy In Heart Failure Patients Aged 80 Years And Older: A Case Report, Learsi R. De Hoyos, Elizabeth Mills-Reyes, Chelsea Chang

Research Colloquium

Background: Since 2004, the number of adults aged 65 and older has increased by 5.6%. With a growing geriatric population, medical management should maximize benefits and minimize risks. Polypharmacy, defined as the concurrent use of 5 or more medications, is a common concern in older adults. In adults 80 years and older, the prevalence of polypharmacy is 67.1%. Among adults with heart disease, the prevalence of polypharmacy increased from 40.6% to 61.7% between 2000 and 2018. In the context of heart failure, guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) includes beta-blockers, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 …

Analyses Of Nafld And Nash Transcriptome Reveal Unique Differentially Regulated Rnas And Cellular Pathways, Karla Perez, Frida Delgadillo, Subramanian Dhandayuthapani, Murali Yallapu, Subhash Chauhan, Enrique Ramos, Shrikanth Gadad

Research Colloquium

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a progressive metabolic disorder affecting the liver, which can lead to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent transcriptomic analyses have identified pathways that may be critical in disease progression and could serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets. However, those studies were limited to transcripts encoding proteins, neglecting over 70% of the genome, which is composed of non-coding transcripts. Therefore, it is essential to reanalyze the transcriptomic data in an unbiased manner from normal, NAFLD, and NASH patient liver samples to identify transcripts with limited coding potential. These …

A Unique Case Of Limbic Encephalitis In The Rio Grande Valley, A Case Report, Osiris Fernandez-Betances, Kevin A. Garcia Valdez

Research Colloquium

Background: Limbic encephalitis (LE) is a rare but increasingly recognized autoimmune subtype of encephalitis that primarily affects the limbic system, which includes the medial temporal lobe, hippocampus, frontobasal, and cingulate cortex. LE was initially believed to cause inflammation restricted to the limbic region; however, subsequent studies have shown that the disease process can extend to other brain areas, resulting in a wide range of neurological and psychiatric manifestations.

Case Presentation: We present the case of a 64-year-old Hispanic male with multiple emergency department visits due to progressive neurologic symptoms. From late November of 2023 to January of 2024, the patient …

Misleading Hematochezia In Cirrhosis: Avoiding The Rectal Varices Trap. A Case Report, Kashif Ali, Valeska Balderas

Research Colloquium

Duodenal diverticular bleeding (DDB) is a rare cause of acute hematochezia, particularly in patients with liver cirrhosis, accounting for less than 0.14% of cases. We report an 80-year-old female with non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis and recent esophageal variceal ligation who presented with bright red rectal bleeding and hemodynamic instability. Initial suspicion was rectal variceal bleeding; however, endoscopic evaluation revealed a bleeding diverticulum in the second part of the duodenum. Hemostasis was successfully achieved with endoscopic clipping. DDB, especially in the juxta-papillary region, poses diagnostic challenges due to its rarity and nonspecific presentation. Early identification is critical, as more than half of …

Doxycycline-Associated Intracranial Hypertension In The Treatment Of H. Pylori Infection: A Case Report, Kashif Ali, Diana Othon Martinez, Roberto Manllo Karim

Research Colloquium

Doxycycline is a commonly used antibiotic, but rarely, it can induce pseudotumor cerebri (PTC), a condition marked by increased intracranial pressure without a mass lesion. We report a case of a 35-year-old woman with diabetes and stage 4 chronic kidney disease who developed headache and blurry vision two weeks after completing doxycycline for H. pylori. Imaging was unremarkable, but lumbar puncture showed elevated opening pressure (40 cm H₂O) with normal CSF, confirming PTC. The patient improved with acetazolamide and was asymptomatic on follow-up. This case underscores the need for clinicians to consider doxycycline-induced PTC in patients presenting with visual …

Development Of Metal-Organic Framework-Based Formulation For Cancer Therapeutics, Kaitlyn D. Ybanez, Rahul Tiwari, Joel De Los Santos, Tarun Minocha, Bianca Jimenez, Subhash Chauhan, Murali Yallapu

Research Colloquium

Background: Novel hydrogel-based drug delivery systems integrating 𝛾-cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks (𝛾-CD-MOFs) have recently been developed to overcome the hydrophobicity and poor bioavailability of certain chemotherapeutic drugs. Thermosensitive Pluronic F-127 hydrogels can deliver 𝛾-CD-MOFs to target sites, promoting sustained and regulated drug release, especially for mucosal adhesion scenarios as warranted in cervical cancer. This study presents the development of a formulation that encapsulates curcumin, a model anticancer agent, into a Pluronic F-127 Hydrogel + 𝛾-CD-MOFs to enhance dispersion and enable sitespecific gelation at physiological temperatures (37°C).

Methods: Curcumin-loaded 𝛾-CD-MOFs were synthesized by dissolving 𝛾-CD (1.0 mmol, 1.30 g) and KOH …

Hiv-Related Neuropathic Pain And Ad Comorbidity: Effect Of Pinene, Jose Rios, Mohammed Alnoud, Emmanuel Franco, Justin Mills, Joshua Nwose, Maria Sophia Malbas, Hiram Garcia, Khalid Benamar

Research Colloquium

Background: Chronic pain, especially neuropathic, is the most severe form of chronic pain. People with neuropathic pain often have hyperalgesia, allodynia, and ongoing pain. 53% of American adults living with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are over the age of 50, due mainly to the successful treatment regimens helping HIV-positive adults survive for decades with HIV and reach age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). As the population ages, the number of individuals who experience AD and HIV-related neuropathic pain will also increase. Therefore, the comorbidity of these two clinically unmet needs will become an increasingly pressing challenge and …

Role Of Vitamin D In Periodontal Integrity And Cognitive Function Among Older Adults: A Nhanes 2011 Study, John Nicholas Cauba, Noah Al-Hassan, Taha Al-Hassan, Krishi Korrapati, Maria Quiniones, Seratna Guadarrama, Juan Lopez-Alvarenga

Research Colloquium

Background: Periodontal disease, characterized by inflammation and damage to connective tissue due to biofilm accumulation and an inflammatory response, affects 20–50% of the global population. While some studies suggest a link between periodontal disease and cognitive decline, the role of vitamin D in this relationship remains underexplored. Given vitamin D’s involvement in immune modulation, bone remodeling, and possibly cognition, we hypothesize that higher serum 25(OH)D3 levels are associated with reduced periodontal damage and better cognitive performance in older adults.

Methods: We analyzed data from 905 participants (50% female), aged ≥60 years, in the NHANES 2011– 2012 cycle with complete periodontal …

Investigating Environmental And Socioeconomic Contributors To Adult Obesity In The Rio Grande Valley, John Nicholas Cauba, Jihoo Woo, Russell Wiggins, Shizue Mito

Research Colloquium

Background: The Rio Grande Valley (RGV), comprising the four southernmost Texas counties—Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr, and Willacy—is a predominantly Hispanic region along the United States– Mexico border. Recent epidemiological studies indicate that the prevalence of obesity in the RGV substantially exceeds both state and national averages, with profound implications for the region’s overall health burden. For instance, large-scale health surveys estimate that between 45% and 50% of Mexican–American adults in the RGV are classified as obese. Genetic predisposition is estimated to account for approximately 50% of the variance in body mass index (BMI), and environmental and lifestyle factors such as diet, …

Agenda (Pdf), Lsu Health Sciences Center - New Orleans

Usher Syndrome in Louisiana

Agenda, promotional flyer and resources list for the Usher Syndrome in Louisiana 5th Symposium held September 19, 2025.

Comprehensive Review Of In Vitro Gut-Brain Axis Models In Parkinson’S Disease Research, John Nicholas Cauba, Jihoo Woo, Russell Wiggins, Shizue Mito

Research Colloquium

Background: The pathophysiology of Parkinson's Disease (PD) can be attributed to a gradually progressive dopaminergic neuron (DN) degeneration and aggregation of abnormal α-synuclein in the basal ganglia. While the classic paradigm of PD focuses on the role of neurotransmitter imbalance and motor impairments, there has been increasing scientific interest in the link between the intricate connection between gut dysbiosis with synucleinopathies and PD. This review explores the relevance of the Braak hypothesis, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in neuronal viability, and gastrointestinal barrier dysfunction through the lens of in vitro modeling.

Methods: A collection of prospective literature was conducted …

Semax For Parkinson’S Neuroprotection: A Qualitative Review Of Preclinical Evidence, Jefferson Tait, Mohammad Yaman Karkoutly, David Rakay, Edurado Aquino

Research Colloquium

Background: The use of peptides as an alternative treatment for neurological disease is an emerging practice that has had tremendous success. Semax, a synthetic heptapeptide derived from adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH 4–10), is well known and used clinically in Russia and Eastern Europe for ischemic stroke therapy. Moreover, Semax has also been reported to modulate monoaminergic systems. Because Parkinson’s disease (PD) involves the loss of dopaminergic neurons, Semax’s neuromodulatory properties make it a potential candidate for the treatment of Parkinson's. Here, we hope to evaluate whether Semax could be an alternative therapy for PD by reviewing evidence on its effects on …

Wernicke’S Encephalopathy With Classic Triad And Normal Mri In A Young Woman Following Rapid-Sequence Bariatric And Biliary Surgery, Hugo Zamarron, Nina Mourao, Roberto A. Cruz Saldana

Research Colloquium

Background: Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a life-threatening neurological disorder caused by thiamine deficiency, most commonly associated with alcoholism. However, postoperative nutritional deficiencies in young patients undergoing bariatric procedures are increasingly recognized. This case is unique due to the rapid succession of bariatric and cholecystectomy surgeries, development of classic Wernicke’s symptoms with a normal MRI, and diagnostic delay due to overlapping differential diagnoses including intracranial hypotension and myelopathy.

Case Presentation: A 22-year-old woman with class III obesity underwent sleeve gastrectomy in July 2022, followed by significant weight loss and persistent intractable vomiting. Due to suspected gallbladder disease, she underwent a cholecystectomy in …

Corticobasal Syndrome With Mixed Pathology In The Absence Of Grn Mutation: A Clinico-Pathological Case Of Ftld-Tdp With Coexisting Alzheimer’S And Lewy Body Pathology, Hugo Zamarron, David Irwin, Jeffery Phillips, Edward Lee, Matthew Tisdall, Corey Mcmillan

Research Colloquium

Background: Corticobasal syndrome (CBS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by often asymmetric fronto-pariteal and extra-pyramidal features that is traditionally associated with tauopathy, but pathological findings are heterogenous, including other forms of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and mixed pathologies of aging. We present clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic features of asymmetry in a unique patient with CBS and underlying FTLD with TDP-43 pathology (FTLD-TDP), co-occurring with other age-related pathologies.

Case Presentation: A 76-year-old man presented with progressive cognitive and motor dysfunction including asymmetric parkinsonism, left-sided dystonia and rigidity, apraxia, visuospatial impairment, and a subtle social disorder including apathy and social withdrawal. The …

Bilateral Small Vessel Strokes In A Young Male With Coccidioidal Meningitis And Suspected Cns Vasculitis, Hugo Zamarron, Ahsan Ali

Research Colloquium

Background: Cerebral small vessel strokes in young, otherwise healthy adults without traditional vascular risk factors are rare and warrant further investigation. Central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis is an uncommon etiology that may be triggered by infections, including fungal pathogens. This case is notable for a suspected primary CNS vasculitis manifesting as bilateral deep infarcts in the setting of Coccidioidal meningitis. It highlights the importance of considering fungal infections and vasculitis in the differential diagnosis of stroke in younger patients.

Case Presentation: A 32-year-old previously healthy male presented with fever, headache, and was diagnosed with aseptic meningitis. He was later readmitted …