Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Chemothorax And Atrial Fibrillation: Multidisciplinary Management Of Misplaced Port-A-Cath In A Lung Cancer, Yasitha Kakarlapudi, Hasini Vasa Charu, Pantoja Rojas Celias

Research Symposium

Case: Chemothorax caused by a misplaced Port-A-Cath is an exceedingly rare complication of chemotherapy, with limited cases reported in the oncology literature. A 79-year-old woman with primary adenocarcinoma of the right lower lobe, status post-lobectomy, presented with fever, fatigue, and respiratory symptoms during chemotherapy. Initial evaluation revealed leukocytosis (WBC: 25000/uL), anemia (hemoglobin: 6.6 g/dL), and right middle lobe pneumonia with pleural effusion. Empirical antibiotics were initiated for healthcare-associated pneumonia (HAP) and urinary tract infection (UTI).

Given these findings, further diagnostic workup included thoracentesis, which removed 1,400 mL of milky pleural fluid. Fluid analysis revealed triglycerides of 392 mg/dL, giving an …

Curcumin Attenuates Smoking And Drinking Activated Nf-Κb/Il-6 Inflammatory Signaling Axis In Cervical Cancer, Vivek K. Kashyap, Prashanth Kb Nagesh, Ajay K. Singh, Andrew Massey, Godwin P. Darkwah, Aaron George, Sheema Khan, Nadeem Zafar, Santosh Kumar, Namita Sinha, Meena Jaggi, Subhash C. Chauhan

Research Symposium

Background: High-risk strains of HPV are known to cause cervical cancer. Multiple clinical studies have emphasized that smoking and drinking are critical risk factors for cervical cancer and its high-grade precursors. In this study, we investigated if smoking and/or drinking augment the molecular mechanisms of the cervical carcinogenesis and defined a potential therapeutic approach for their attenuation.

Methods: The impact of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and/or ethanol (EtOH) exposure on cervical cancer cells was assessed by measuring changes in their cell migration and invasion characteristics. Expression of HPV16 E6/E7, NF-κB, cytokines, and inflammation mediators was determined using qRT-PCR, immunoblotting, ELISA, luciferase reporter …

Novel Signaling Pathways Involved In Ybx1 Role In Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Yamile Abuchard Anaya, Ana Ayala Pazzi, Dennis Kwabiah, Veerababu Nagati, Ricardo Pequeno Bracho, Kyle Doxtater, Subhash C. Chauhan, Manish K. Tripathi

Research Symposium

Background: The most prevalent type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and socioeconomic and health disparities have a major impact on both its incidence and fatality rates. HCC rates are typically greater in areas with poor access to healthcare, high obesity rates, and a high frequency of infectious diseases. Because of risk factors include diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and Hepatitis B and C, HCC is particularly common in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). The burden of HCC in this underprivileged area is made worse by McAllen, Texas, which regrettably holds the distinction of being the most obese …

Targeted Nanomedicine For The Modulation Of Pancreatic Tumor Immune Surveillance, Vivek Kumar Kashyap, Neeraj Chauhan, Mohammed Sikander, Eswara N. H. K. Ghali, Rahul Tiwari, Shabnam Malik, Sheema Khan, Bilal B. Hafeez, Murali M. Yallapu, Subhash C. Chauhan

Research Symposium

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal types of cancer, characterized by a dismal 5-year overall survival rate, primarily due to the lack of early detection and limited effective treatment options available. Gemcitabine (GEM) is the most effective therapy for PanCa, but it only offers a marginal survival benefit of 6 months. A combination of Paclitaxel (PTX) albumin nano-formulation (Abraxane) and Gemcitabine has shown marginal improvement in pancreatic cancer treatment. This poor treatment response has been associated with desmoplastic stroma, microbiome effects, altered tumor microenvironment (TME), suppressive immune cells and PDAC-specific signaling pathways. Our research has demonstrated …

Tannic Acid-Stabilized Liposomal Platform For Microrna Delivery In Endometriosis, Victoria Herrera, Rahul Tiwari, Bridgette Lozano Lozano, Subhash Chauhan, Murali Yallapu

Research Symposium

Background: Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial-type mucosa outside the uterine cavity. It affects about 6.5 million women of reproductive age in the United States. It is a leading cause of infertility, impacting up to 50% of women with difficulty conceiving, and is prevalent in as many as 90% of individuals experiencing severe, chronic pelvic pain. Women with endometriosis had 4.2-fold higher ovarian cancer risk than those without endometriosis. Within this work, a range of liposomal formulations was investigated for endometriosis. Recent studies confirmed the role of miR-205-5p as a potential suppressor of ectopic endometriotic progression. Clinical translation …

Trends And Prevention Strategies In Pediatric Spinal Cord Injuries: A Retrospective Analysis Of Trauma Data From Texas, Victoria Elizondo, Paul Bonilla, Daniel Salinas, Anesu Karen Murambadoro, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Blake Martin, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Background: Pediatric populations are particularly vulnerable to spinal cord injuries (SCI) due to several anatomical factors, including a larger head-to-torso ratio, more flexible ligaments, and relatively weaker neck muscles. These factors contribute to a 2.5-fold higher incidence of atlanto-axial injuries in children compared to adults. While data shows how access to trauma centers significantly impacts SCI outcomes, there is limited research on the most common trends in pediatric SCI. This study seeks to fill this gap by examining causative trends in SCI and exploring potential prevention strategies for high-risk groups.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a publicly available …

Impact Of Diabetes Mellitus On Shoulder Arthroplasty Outcomes: A Systematic Review Of Postoperative Complications, Mohammad Khalil, Blake Martin, Victoria Elizondo

Research Symposium

Background: In modern day, diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States and worldwide, ranking as the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Worldwide, 1 in 11 adults have diabetes mellitus and the prevalence is expected to increase from 415 to 642 million by the year 2040. Diabetes mellitus (DM) may also increase the risk of complication in various surgeries, such as shoulder arthroplasty. Shoulder arthroplasty is increasing in popularity; however, various pre-existing medical comorbidities can increase the risk of complications from this procedure such as DM. The primary objective of this …

The Long-Term Effect Of Dolutegravir On Depressive Side Effects: A Charter Cohort Study On People With Hiv, Sonya A. Bhatia, Upal Roy, Ankita Garg, Asante R. Kamkwalala, Avery Matthews, David B. Clifford, Benjamin Gelman, Susan Morgell, Payal Patel, Leah H. Rubin, Donald Franklim, Robert K. Heaton, Ronald J. Ellis, Scott L. Letendre

Research Symposium

Background: Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (InSTIs) are first-line therapy in the U.S. and other countries. One InSTI drug, dolutegravir (DTG), has been linked to neuropsychiatric adverse events but few reports have used standardized assessments of depression or assessed the concomitant influence of age and antidepressant use. These analyses aimed to determine the relationships between InSTI use, aging, antidepressant use, and depressive symptoms in people with HIV (PWH).

Methods: All 280 participants were comprehensively assessed in the CHARTER Aging project; were taking cART; and had plasma HIV RNA ≤ 200 copies/mL. The project enrolled participants based on chronological age < or ≥ 60 years. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)-II and four subscales were compared to demographic characteristics, use of InSTIs and antidepressants, and clinical biomarkers in a cross-sectional design by multivariable linear regression, including backward selection by Akaike Information Criterion.

Results: Participant …

Microrna-145 Replacement As A Therapeutic Tool To Improve Trail Therapy, Saini Setua, Murali M. Yallapu, Stephen W. Behrman, Subhash C. Chauhan, Sheema Khan

Research Symposium

Pancreatic cancer (PanCa) is a third leading cause of cancer related deaths in US. Unlike other cancers, PanCa is highly resistant to TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) that emerges as one of the most-promising therapy in clinical trials. Our group has previously identified microRNA-145 (miR-145) is downregulated in PanCa, the restoration of which inhibits tumor growth and enhances gemcitabine sensitivity. In this study, we have observed that miR-145 restoration in PanCa cells renders them sensitive to TRAIL treatment. Therefore, we have engineered unique superparamagnetic nanoparticles (Magix) for codelivering miR-145 and TRAIL in PanCa for improving their therapeutic response to TRAIL. The …

Exploring T2d In The Hispanic Community: Insights From The Rio Grande Valley, Samantha Arevalo, Luis Aguillon, Daniela Ollervides, Chun Xu

Research Symposium

Background: T2D affects 462 million people worldwide, with Hispanic Americans comprising 17% of those affected. This chronic disease disproportionately impacts the Hispanic population due to genetic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors, leading to severe complications like cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and cognitive decline. Given the growing prevalence of diabetes in this community, understanding the unique challenges faced by Hispanics is essential. This study investigates factors contributing to T2D among Hispanics to develop more effective and culturally tailored prevention and treatment strategies.

Material and Methods: This study was conducted in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), a region with a significant Hispanic population, …

Evaluating The Impact Of A Surgical Skills Workshop: A Pre- And Post-Program Assessment, Victoria Elizondo, Anesu Murambadoro, Miguel Quintanilla, Russel Wiggins, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Chantal Uzoma, Fernando Cisneros, Chloe Harris, Hunter Butler

Research Symposium

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the educational impact of a surgical skills workshop for medical students, focusing on changes in self-perceived confidence and skill levels in suturing, laparoscopic techniques, and aseptic practices (gowning, gloving, and scrubbing-in). Using pre- and post-surveys, the study assessed whether the workshop met its educational objectives, providing insights for improving future training and ensuring the workshop effectively enhances students’ surgical competence and confidence.

Description: The event took place at a UTRGV hospital simulation center, organized around three stations led by two PGY-2 General Surgery residents and a professor/pediatric general surgeon from UTRGV School …

Integrative Analysis Of Transcriptomics And Clinical Data Of Slc1a5 In Cervical Cancer, Veronica O'Brien, Vivek Kashyap, Bhuvnesh Sharma, Murali Yallapu, Everardo Cobos, Subhash Chuahan

Research Symposium

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in adult females globally and the second most common cancer in females between the ages of 15 and 44. The alanine-serine- cysteine transporter 2, ASCT2 (solute carrier family 1 member 5, SLC1A5), is a major transporter of the amino acid, glutamine. SLC1A5 expression is associated with the progression of multiple types of tumors, including liver, lung, breast, colon and head and neck cancer. However, the biological significance of SLC1A5 cervical cancer has not been systematically and comprehensively investigated. Using deep data mining and transcriptomics analyses, in this study, we investigated the …

Dysregulation Of Cholesterol Metabolism And Sorafenib Drug Resistance In Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Veerababu Nagati, Dennis Kwabiah, Yamile Abuchard Anaya, Ana Ayala Pazzi, Manish K. Tripathi

Research Symposium

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most prevalent cancers and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor, serves as a key first-line treatment for HCC when surgical intervention is not an option. However, primary and acquired resistance to sorafenib has significantly limited its effectiveness, reducing the disease control rate. Dysregulation of numerous genes that influence cancer cell proliferation, survival, and drug resistance contributes to this challenge. Identifying the molecular drivers of sorafenib resistance remains critical to improving treatment outcomes. Several factors, including activation of oncogenic pathways (e.g., Akt/mTOR), hypoxia, cholesterol metabolism, EMT, multidrug resistance, and …

Smart Hydrogels For Infection Control, Varaprasad Kokkarachedu, Matías Araneda Cistemas, Nicolás Nicolás Valdés Gangas

Research Symposium

Background: Infection control is a critical area of concern in healthcare, mainly owing to the rising incidence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Traditional antibacterial agents often face challenges, such as limited efficacy, toxicity, and the potential for resistance development. This necessitates innovative approaches to combat infections. Hydrogels are biocompatible hydrophilic polymeric materials that can deliver nanomedicines with complications. They have emerged as promising candidates for infection control applications. Incorporating nanotoxicity nanomaterials, especially curcumin-layered silver nanoparticles, significantly enhances the antibacterial properties of hydrogels, making them promising candidates for infection control applications.

Methods: The smart antimicrobial hydrogels were synthesised from Poluronic and curcumin-layered polyvinylpyrrolidone/silver …

Long-Term Neurocognitive And Behavioral Outcomes In Survivors Of Pediatric Brain Tumors: A Systematic Review, Tori Sayers, Megan W. Szobody, Nina Mourao, Blake C. Martin, Sriya Gullapalli, Kory Punch, Tirath Patel, Murali Yallapu, Bharathi Shrikanth Gadad

Research Symposium

Background: Pediatric populations have an increased susceptibility for brain tumors and suffer from neurocognitive impairment due to the neoplasm itself, and side effect of subsequent treatments. This causes many patients to experience a subpar quality of life (QoL), affecting academic endeavors, social interaction and mental well-being. Increasing our understanding of the long-term effects associated with brain tumors and the side effects from our current treatment methodology will help us formulate better treatment protocols and improve survivors’ QoL. This review aims to investigate different long-term neurocognitive and behavioral outcomes in pediatric brain tumor survivors, as well as evaluate how various treatment …

Case Report: Oral Contraceptives-Induced Cholestasis, Aura Calderon, Taiwo Ajani, Nayiri Derian, Catherine Matos, Ivan Mogollon, Andres Suarez

Research Symposium

Background: Oral contraceptives represent one of the most prevalently utilized pharmacological interventions for contraception, renowned for their safety and efficacy. However, their advantageous safety profile, these pharmaceuticals are intermittently correlated with infrequent yet significant hepatobiliary complications, including drug-induced cholestasis and hyperbilirubinemia1. The estrogenic constituents of oral contraceptives are recognized for their capacity to disrupt bile acid transport within the hepatic system, culminating in intrahepatic cholestasis2. This phenomenon is particularly alarming in individuals possessing inherent genetic susceptibilities, such as Dubin-Johnson Syndrome, wherein bilirubin metabolism and excretion are already adversely affected3. The identification and comprehension of these adverse effects are imperative for …

Transgenic Muc13 Overexpression Influenced Gut Microbiota And Chemokines Expression Profile In Mice, Swati Dhasmana, Anupam Dhasmana, Shweta Singh, Murali Yallapu, Sheema Khan, Subhash Chauhan

Research Symposium

Background: MUC13 has emerged as a potent oncoprotein and gained considerable attention. The overexpression or aberrant expression of MUC13 is strongly linked to cancer progression, and poor clinical outcomes in multiple malignancies, including colorectal cancer (CRC), however its precise mechanisms are not fully unfolded. Towards this, we have generated a MUC13 transgenic mice model and in this research, we have investigated the effect of transgenic MUC13 overexpression on gut microbiome, gut histology, and cytokine expression profile as recent studies have shown critical role of microbiome in cancer progression and cancer therapeutics.

Methods: In this study we sought to decipher the …

Assessing Social Determinants Of Health Training In Medical Education: A Literature Review Using Kirkpatrick’S Model, Surya Namboodiri, Chelsea Chang, Roque Mifuji Lira

Research Symposium

Background: 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. Kirkpatrick’s model categorizes training outcomes into four levels—Reaction, Learning, Behavior, and Results—offering a validated framework to assess impact. Despite its importance, the evaluation of SDOH curricula often focuses on lower-level outcomes, such as learner satisfaction and knowledge assessment, with limited emphasis on behavioral change and patient outcomes.

By applying Kirkpatrick’s model, this study seeks to address evaluation in SDOH training evaluation and provide insights into designing effective curricula that produce measurable improvements …

Unraveling Genetic Links Between Diabetes And Heart Failure-A Machine Learning Approach, Sunakhi Sahoo, Marzieh Ayati

Research Symposium

Background: Diabetic heart failure (DHF) is defined as a chronic and progressive disease which is associated with both diabetes and heart failure (HF). Even though there have been many developments in the knowledge of these diseases, there is still much to learn about the genetic crossovers between the two. In this study, we identified genes that are associated with diabetic heart failure and heart failure by using gene expression data from patients with DHF, HF, and a control group of patients who died of natural causes. We sought to identify genes that had altered expression levels which could possibly play …

Anti-Nmda Receptor Encephalitis Associated With Ovarian Teratoma In A Pediatric Patient: A Case Report, Stephen M. Garcia, Eduardo Uribe Md

Research Symposium

Background: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is a rare autoimmune condition caused by antibodies targeting NMDA receptors in the brain. The condition was first described in association with ovarian teratomas in 2005; however, it was in 2007 that the condition was further identified as an anti-NMDA receptor-mediated encephalitis. These antibodies disrupt synaptic function by internalizing NMDA receptors, leading to a wide range of neuropsychiatric symptoms such as mood changes, seizures, and autonomic dysfunction. The incidence of autoimmune encephalitis, including anti-NMDAR variants, has increased from 0.4 to 1.2/100,000 person-years over the past two decades due to improved detection of antibody-positive cases. Although …

Investing In Limb Preservation: A Case Report In Avoiding Bilateral Amputation In A Vasculopathy Patient, Stephanie N. Campbell, Craig J. Verdin, Heather V. Tran, Nikita Gambhir

Research Symposium

Background: Limb salvage and prosthetics play vital roles in restoring function and mobility for patients with severe injuries or metabolic conditions. Limb salvage involves surgical techniques aimed at preserving a limb rather than resorting to amputation, while prosthetics provide artificial devices to replace lost limbs. Key considerations for limb salvage include restoring a functional foot, maintaining patient independence, minimizing hospitalizations, and avoiding bilateral lower limb amputations.

Case Presentation: The patient, already at single-limb status, presented with a necrotic heel ulcer, exposed calcaneus, and necrotic Achilles tendon. After vascular optimization, the risks and benefits of final aggressive measures were discussed, leading …

Investigating The Ability Of Foxo1 To Maintain Stem Cells, Stella A. Rios, Megan E. Keniry

Research Symposium

Background: Our group discovered that FOXO transcription factors drive stem gene expression in cancer to promote aggressiveness. Work by our group and others demonstrated that FOXO factors universally maintain stem cells including in cancer, embryonic, hematogenic and neuronal contents. Our current efforts are delineating the molecular underpinnings by which FOXO factors halt differentiation to maintain stem cells.

In this project, we are employing myoblasts as a valuable model to examine how Foxo1 maintains stem cells. Foxo1-regulated genes in myoblasts closely parallel its targets in glioblastoma and basal breast cancer stem cells, including targets such as Leukemia Inhibitory Factor, …

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 Symposium

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 …

The Effect Of Co-Morbid Chronic Illnesses On The Outcomes Of Traumatic Intracranial Hemorrhage In The Rio Grande Valley: A Retrospective Analysis, Sowmya Duddu, Julia Paz, Andrea Argenal, Sonya Bhatia, Nina Mourao, Tori Sayers, Manoj Peiris, Kelsey Baker, Bharathi S. Gadad

Research Symposium

Introduction: Intracranial hemorrhage is bleeding occurring in or around the brain. The severity can range from mild to fatal with a variety of lasting symptoms. The severity and outcome depends on a number of factors such as the location, treatment, and pre-existing patient conditions. Previous studies have been done observing comorbidities in patients, such as hypertension or diabetes, and their role in intracranial hemorrhages. The purpose of this project is to identify how pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, blood disorders, and more, influence the type and severity of intracranial hemorrhages.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted …

Incidence Of Myocardial Infarction And Neurodegenerative Disease Co-Occurrence In The Rio Grande Valley: A Five-Year Retrospective Analysis, Sowmya Duddu, Maria Sophia Malbas, Allison Mcadams, Julia Paz, Miguel Quintanilla, Karina Zamora, Hansapani Rodrigo, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Introduction: Neurodegenerative Diseases (NDDs) are a group of disorders leading to the degeneration of neurons causing varying degrees of functional loss. NDDs lead to a loss of independence for the patients and an emotional burden for the patients’ families or caretakers. Previous studies have shown that the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease or Vascular Dementia is high in the Rio Grande Valley. Due to the severity of these diseases, research is currently being done to determine the factors that correlate with the development of neurodegenerative diseases and whether there is a causative effect. The purpose of …

Systematic Review Of Literature On Gender Affirming Surgical Procedures For Female To Male Transgender Patients, Sonya A. Bhatia, Julia Paz, Nina Mourao, Kelsey Baker, Bharathi Shrikanth Gadad

Research Symposium

Background: Many female to male (FTM) individuals that desire to live as male experience persistent psychological discomfort (e.g. gender dysphoria) related to anatomical sex. One method to change anatomical sex characteristics is top surgery. Top surgery, consisting of bilateral mastectomy and nipple-areola complex (NAC) placement, has been found to help alleviate gender dysphoria and improve quality of life. However, many techniques have been used to perform top surgery and standardized methods/recommendations are not currently available. Our goal was to analyze research on bilateral mastectomy and NAC to provide more optimal surgical gender-affirming care.

Methods: An electronic literature review …

Provider Perspectives On The Challenges And Opportunities In Managing Chronic Pain Among Patients With Hiv And A History Of Substance Use Disorder: A Qualitative Study, Sonya A. Bhatia, Isabella Iregui, Amy Knowlton, Tuo-Yen Tseng

Research Symposium

Background: Chronic pain is common in people living with HIV or opioid use disorder and is complex to clinically manage. Opioid dependence treatment, such as Suboxone (combined buprenorphine and naloxone), is associated with improved adherence to antiretroviral therapy, reduced opioid use, and lower overdose risk. While evidence suggests Suboxone can treat opioid use disorder and chronic pain concomitantly, its use as an analgesic remains off-label. Patients with these co-morbidities, especially prevalent among People of Color, are often underdiagnosed and undertreated . This study explored clinicians’ experiences and opinions on managing chronic pain in (mostly Black) persons living with HIV who …

Emergency Room Visits Of Incarcerated Individuals In Texas: A Retrospective Analysis Of Trauma-Related Admissions And Health Implications, Sonya A. Bhatia, Sowmya Duddu, Andrea Argenal, Julia Paz, Tori Sayers, Bharathi Shrikanth Gadad, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Introduction: In 2024, the United States has the highest incarceration rate of any independent democracy. Texas has a higher incarceration rate than the US national average, with an incarceration rate of 751 people imprisoned per 100,000 citizens. Additionally, Texas prisons have become severely overcrowded; in June 2024, 41% of inmates had to be housed outside their county. Overcrowding has exacerbated the lack of adequate medical care for prisoners, and prisons’ hostile and ultimately unsafe environment. Despite the health risks, little research has been done on the utilization of emergency room visits by incarcerated individuals. This study aims to analyze emergency …

Disparities In Survival Among Skin Carcinoma Patients In South Texas Counties, Smaran Marupudi, Elias Villanueva Arellano, Natasha Quailes, Jared Hensley, Maria Villegas

Research Symposium

Background: Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is among the most common malignancies, yet survival outcomes vary widely across regions due to disparities in access to healthcare, socioeconomic factors, and public health infrastructure. The Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) region of South Texas, encompassing Starr, Willacy, Cameron, and Hidalgo counties, is a predominantly Hispanic, medically underserved region where residents face systemic barriers to dermatologic care and early cancer detection. This study aims to evaluate survival disparities in NMSC patients between the LRGV and other Texas counties, emphasizing the need to address these inequities.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using data …

Maximizing Dna Yield And Integrity From Limited Ffpe Tissue: A Breakthrough Approach For Advancing Cancer Genomics, Shweta Singh, Astrid Perez, Sierra Vidaurri, Anupam Dhasmana, Swati Dhasmana, Murali Mohan Yallapu, Subhash C. Chauhan, Sheema Khan

Research Symposium

Introduction: Archived FFPE tissue specimens are a valuable resource for advancing cancer-related health disparities research. Retrospectively collected tissues help minimize follow-up time and prevent delays in research progress. While kits for DNA purification from FFPE are readily available, challenges such as limited tissue in FFPE blocks lead to insufficient DNA yield, and suboptimal quality persists. In this article, we have optimized and standardized methods for purifying DNA with high yield and integrity, making it highly suitable for generating DNA libraries and conducting high-throughput sequencing, thereby enhancing the reliability and reproducibility of cancer genomics studies.

Materials and Methods: We employed two …