Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Microbiome Dynamics In Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Among Rio Grande Valley Hispanics, Shweta Singh, Sierra Vidaurri, Anupam Dhasmana, Swati Dhasmana, Bablu Kumar, Jacob Galan, Natasha Garcia-Rodriguez, Murali Mohan Yallapu, Subhash C. Chauhan, Sheema Khan

Research Symposium

Background: The Rio Grande Valley is a major hot spot for Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver diseases in the nation. Before the occurrence of HCC, the liver undergoes several complex changes, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) that encompasses a spectrum of diseases from simple steatosis to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and cirrhosis. However, mechanisms associated with the progression of the disease are not yet fully known and characterized. Recent studies are suggesting a critical role of the microbiome in cancer progression and prevention. In this article, we sought to investigate bacterial colonization at the liver site that can …

Association Between Anxiety, Depression, And Acne In A Primarily Hispanic Population: A Retrospective Five-Year Analysis, Shiza Khan, Kaitlyn D. Ybanez, Maci D. Oestreich, Jennifer V. Escamilla, Kelsey A. Potter-Baker

Research Symposium

Background: Depression and anxiety are the two most prevalent mental health disorders in the United States and are frequently associated with significant psychological and physical effects. Emerging evidence indicates a correlation between mental health disorders and dermatological conditions, where hormonal imbalances can induce and exacerbate skin conditions. However, research exploring this correlation within predominantly Hispanic populations is limited. In this retrospective analysis, our objective was to determine the correlation between anxiety, depression, and acne diagnosis over the past five years, with the goal of uncovering potential disparities in ethnic and gender disparities in healthcare.

Methods: We obtained patient data of …

A Qualitative Approach To Identifying Obstacles To Mental Healthcare In The Rio Grande Valley From The Perspective Of Mental Healthcare Professionals., Shania M. Linder, Cristian Botello, Raquel Villarreal, Nelda Rodriguez, Mario Gil, Dayana Zamora

Research Symposium

Background: There are many factors that prevent members of the Hispanic/Latino community from accessing mental health resources. This is important to investigate because there is a lack of knowledge on why residents of the Rio Grande Valley, an underserved region of South Texas, are unable to access and/or utilize mental health resources.

Methods: A focus group session was held at a mental health counseling clinic in Cameron County, Texas on February 1, 2024. The participants consisted of mental health professionals, such as two mental health clinicians, a clinical counselor, two school counselors, a licensed professional counselor supervisor, and a …

Influence Of Epidemiological Factors On Gcs Score Of Traumatic Brain Injury Cases In Texas: A Five-Year Retrospective Analysis, Shalika Padhi, Mary Arden Guillory, Isabella Ortigoza, Ashlyn Holubar, Jocelyn Torres, Saloni Saldhi, Daniel Salinas, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by an external force and can result in temporary or permanent brain function impairment. In 2019 and 2020, it was estimated that TBI resulted in ~220,000 hospitalizations and ~64,000 deaths in the United States making TBI a significant public health concern. Of note, patients living in the southern states have been shown to have the highest TBI related fatalities per 100,000 population, with Texas ranking second for the number of TBIs in the United States. Limited epidemiological studies have evaluated possible causes for the increased prevalence and severity of TBI in southern states. …

Studying The Significance Of Muc13 In Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Shabnam Malik, Mohammed Sikander, Daniel Zubieta, Parvez Khan, Murali M. Yallapu, Deepshikha P. Katare, S.K Jain, Meena Jaggi, Subhash C. Chauhan

Research Symposium

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with a poor prognosis due to limited therapeutic options and a lack of early diagnostic markers. Recent studies have highlighted the elevated expression of mucin 13 as a potential oncogene and predictive biomarker in various cancers. However, its role in the development and progression of HCC remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the expression of mucin 13 in a chemically induced model of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methodology: We employed a chemically induced model of hepatocellular carcinoma in Male Wistar rats using diethyl nitrosamine and 2-acetylaminofluorene. Serum and tissue samples were collected at …

Exploring Cucurbitacin D'S Protective Mechanism Against Benzo[A]Pyrene-Induced Liver Injury Through Nrf2 Activation, Shabnam Malik, Mohammed Sikander, Anyssa Rodriguiez, Daniel Zubieta, Debanhi Esparaza, Fathi T. Halaweish, Sheema Khan, Murali M. Yallapu, Meena Jaggi, Subhash C. Chauhan

Research Symposium

Background: Numerous studies have established a strong association between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and various co-morbidity factors, including smoking. Tobacco smoke is a significant source of benzo[a]pyrene, a highly carcinogenic compound known to cause liver damage. Cucurbitacin, a triterpene with diverse biological activities, exhibits antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and anticancer effects. However, its hepatoprotective properties have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of cucurbitacin D, a novel analog of cucurbitacin, against liver injury induced by benzo[a]pyrene in human HepG2 cells.

Method: To investigate the hepatoprotective effect of cucurbitacin D against benzo[a]pyreneinduced liver damage, proliferation, clonogenicity, …

Who Leaves Orthopedics? Analyzing Attrition Among Texas Orthopedic Surgeons, Sean Corcoran, Anesu Karen Murambadoro, Paul Bonilla, Victoria Elizondo, Tori Sayers, Daniela Ramos, Mark Manickath

Research Symposium

Background: Nationally, attrition rates in surgical specialties have been reported to be as high as 20-26%. As of 2019, women comprised only 6.5% of the 29,613 orthopedic surgeons. Female residents showed significantly higher overall attrition rates compared to males (5.96% vs. 2.79%, p < 0.001), with unintended attrition nearly twice as high (2.09% vs. 1.01%, p < 0.001). Attrition can result from a wide array of variables, including sex, ethnicity, education, and background. The aim of this study was to evaluate the demographic and educational factors associated with career longevity beyond training among orthopedic surgeons, with a focus on identifying patterns of attrition in underrepresented groups.

Methods: Data from the Texas Medical Board Physician Database as of September 2024 was evaluated using Microsoft Excel. To determine length of practice, the date of license issuance was subtracted from the date of license expiration. Surgeons with license expirations after 2024 were excluded to maintain a focus on physicians that are no longer practicing. Entries …

Influence Of Epidemiological Factors On Eye Injuries In Texas: A Five-Year Retrospective Analysis, Saloni Saldhi, Ashlyn Holubar, Jocelyn Torres, Isabella Ortigoza, Shalika Padhi, Mary Arden Guillory, Daniel Salinas, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Background: Eye injuries in the United States represent a significant public health concern with their potential to cause long-term disability, economic burden, and reduced quality of life. Injuries to the eye can range from minor abrasions to severe contusions, lacerations, and fractures, with some leading to permanent vision loss. Preliminary data also suggests disparities in the availability of ophthalmologists across Texas cities which raises the question of whether cities with higher rates of eye injuries are staffed with enough specialists. In Texas, where the population is both geographically and demographically diverse, understanding the epidemiological factors behind eye injuries is crucial …

Evaluation Of Mucin 13 Expression As A Target For Radioimmunotherapy: One Step Closer To A Radionuclide Theranostic Strategy For Colorectal Cancer, Ryan P. Coll, Aiko Yamaguchi, Jianbo Wang, Robert T. Ta, Subhash C. Chauhan, H. Charles Manning

Research Symposium

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most diagnosed and deadliest forms of cancer worldwide. The high rate of encountered cases with distant metastatic presentation, a major contributor to CRC’s high mortality, presents a need for a molecular-based, selective strategy towards CRC treatment and management. To realize this, an antibody-based theranostic approach is under evaluation using a monoclonal antibody targeting the glycoprotein mucin 13 (MUC13), known for its aberrant expression, glycosylation patterns, and localization in CRC cells associated with tumorigenic properties. With tumor-specific uptake in high MUC13-expressing CRC xenografts previously reported in PET experiments after antibody labeling with positron-emitting …

Evaluating The Potential Of Herbal Extracts As Treatment In Immune Thrombocytopenia: A Review Of Evidence And Limitations, Russell Wiggins, Jihoo Woo, John Cauba, Shizue Mito

Research Symposium

Immune thrombocytopenia, formerly idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP), is an autoimmune disease characterized by the depletion of platelets below 100,000/µl when other causes of thrombocytopenia have been ruled out. It is associated with several infectious pathologies, disease states, and as a known side effect and complication of several drugs and chemotherapies. Standard treatment calls for glucocorticoid mediated immunosuppression, intravenous immunoglobin transfusion, platelet stimulation, platelet transfusion, and splenectomy in instances of chronic and severe disease. While standard treatments are often effective, some cases prove resistant, and more commonly, some patients are unable to tolerate standard treatment protocols or opt out of surgical …

Glucose Metabolism And Ldha Expression Are Modulated By Lncrna In Colorectal Cancer., Salique Hassan Shaham, Ricardo Pequeno Bracho, Manish Kumar Tripathi

Research Symposium

Abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy globally and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. In 2024, an estimated 152,810 new cases of CRC are projected, with 53,010 fatalities. The prognosis for metastatic CRC (mCRC) remains grim, with a survival rate of less than 15%. Urothelial cancer-associated 1 (UCA1), a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), is dysregulated in CRC and has been implicated in tumor progression. Our research highlights significantly elevated UCA1 expression in metastatic CRC cells, where its association with the GLUT1 and the metabolic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase A …

Improving Niclosamide's Effectiveness In Cancer Therapy: Advances In Drug Modification And Delivery, Russell Wiggins, Jihoo Woo, Shizue Mito

Research Symposium

The property of niclosamide to inhibit multiple cancer-related pathways has made it a promising candidate for the treatment of various cancers. However, poor bioavailability and solubility have significantly restricted its clinical application. This literature review explores various strategies that enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of Niclosamide through the development of Niclosamide derivatives and the utilization of drug delivery systems. We also briefly discuss Niclosamide’s suspected mechanisms of action in several cancer related pathways. Derivatives such as Niclosamide Ethanolamine (NEN) and Niclosamide Piperazine (NPP) have demonstrated improved pharmacokinetic properties, including increased solubility and bioavailability, without compromising anticancer activity. Importantly, these formulations …

Predictive Value Of Speckle-Tracking Strain Imaging In Risk Stratification Of Post-Myocardial Infarction Heart Failure, Ronald A. Shaju, Alyssa L. Sepulveda, Yolanda V. Gutierrez, Melissa M. Cruz

Research Symposium

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a feared complication of myocardial infarction (MI). It contributes to a poor prognosis and has a high morbidity. In patients with heart failure, it’s important to track progress and identify signs of heart failure as early as possible. Speckle-tracking strain imaging (STSI) is a novel echocardiographic technique that has emerged as a valuable technique for identifying myocardial dysfunction and predicting the progression of heart failure. This is done by measuring the amount the myocardium deforms in relation to the original length during contraction and relaxation. This is done by measuring the natural acoustic “speckles” in …

Fostering Nurse Engagement Through A Symposium Viewing Party, Karis Pickett

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

No abstract provided.

Factors Related To Intent To Stay Among Acute Care Health Professionals, Alison Smock, Danell Stengem, Karen Colorafi

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

No abstract provided.

Addressing Nurses Burnout Through Zen Den Implementation, Wendy Vaquerano, Crystal Tribble, Kathleen Tubridy

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

No abstract provided.

Evidence-Based Practice Competencies, Beliefs, And Organizational Readiness: A Cross-Sectional Study, Rose Timmerman, Cara Gallegos, Trisha Saul, Frances Chu

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

No abstract provided.

Middle School As A Nexus For Educational Reform, Ronald A. Shaju, Yolanda V. Gutierrez, Alyssa L. Sepulveda, Alivia M. Shaju, Sophia L. Moon, Melissa M. Cruz, Juan Carlos Alvarenga

Research Symposium

Background: Educational disparities significantly impact student achievement, particularly in underserved regions like the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). This study aims to identify the grade level where interventions are most necessary to enhance academic motivation and career orientation.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 1,384 students across 55 schools in 17 districts within the RGV. The study included economically disadvantaged populations (83.7%) with a predominantly Hispanic demographic (95.1%). Students’ motivation, measured using a 5-point Likert scale, was assessed using six domains utilizing (e.g., college readiness, school attendance, academic improvement, homework completion, career exploration and preparation) aggregated into a unified z-score …

Comparative Impact Of Sglt2 Inhibitors And Emerging Therapies On Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction, Ronald A. Shaju, Yolanda V. Gutierrez, Alyssa L. Sepulveda, Melissa M. Cruz

Research Symposium

Background: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) presents significant clinical and therapeutic challenges. This is especially true when patients have comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) have shown efficacy in managing HFpEF by reducing hospitalizations, improving cardiovascular outcomes, an enhancing quality of life. This systematic review synthesized evidence from recent studies to evaluate the impact of SGLT2 is and adjunct therapies in management of HFpEF.

Methods: We systematically reviewed abstracts from PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library that investigated the efficacy of SGLT2is (dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, tofogliflozin) in patients with HFpEF. …

Advances In Vitamin D Analogs And Calcimimetics For Secondary Hyperparathyroidism In Chronic Kidney Disease, Ronald A. Shaju, Alyssa L. Sepulveda, Yolanda V. Gutierrez, Melissa M. Cruz

Research Symposium

Background: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a major complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Bone disease, vascular calcification, and cardiovascular morbidity are all areas where the effects of secondary hyperparathyroidism are seen. Pharmacological management has had many advances such as vitamin D analogs and calcimimetics. They have introduced tailored approaches to SHPT treatment. This systematic review examines the efficacy and safety of these therapies across different CKD stages with an emphasis on patient-centered outcomes.

Methods: A comprehensive review was conducted using PubMed, Elsevier, and Cochrane databases. Search terms included “chronic kidney disease stage,” “vitamin D analogs,” “secondary hyperparathyroidism,” and “calcimimetic.” Initial …

Md Anderson Radiate - An End-To-End Research Platform To Drive Radiopharmaceutical Therapeutics Discovery, Robert Ta, Henry Charles Manning, Brooke C. Graham

Research Symposium

Purpose: Radiopharmaceutical (RP) theranostic represents a promising paradigm for personalized medicine and has been hailed by some as the future of cancer treatment.Following landmark clinical data showing improved patient outcomes, the subsequent approvals of Lutathera (¹⁷⁷Lu-dotatate; Novartis) and Pluvicto (¹⁷⁷Lu-vipivotide tetraxetan; Novartis) have illuminated the tremendous potential of radionuclide therapy in well-selected patients. Encouraged by these developments, we have developed a research-driven platform that provides the scientific vision and technical resources to discover, mature, and translate innovative radiopharmaceutical (RP) therapeutics and companion diagnostics on an industry-scale. Termed RADIATE, we believe that our broadly engaged end-to-end Therapeutics …

Uca1 As A Key Regulator Of The Warburg Effect During Anoikis Resistance In Colorectal Cancer Metastasis, Ricardo Pequeno Bracho, Salique Hassan Shaham, Yamile Abuchard Anaya, Sophia Leslie, Kyle Doxtater, Subhash Chauhan, Bilal Hafeez, Tamer Oraby, Manish K. Tripathi

Research Symposium

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. While localized CRC has a 90% five-year survival rate, this drops sharply to 14% upon metastasis. Metastasis occurs in approximately 40–50% of CRC cases and requires cancer cells to acquire anoikis resistance—a critical adaptation allowing survival after detachment from the extracellular matrix, enabling migration and colonization of secondary sites. Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving anoikis resistance, particularly those linked to altered glucose metabolism, is essential for developing targeted therapies for metastatic CRC.

Cancer cells frequently exhibit the Warburg Effect, a metabolic adaptation favoring glycolysis over …

Virtual Hospital Foll-Up: Effects On 30-Day Readmission And Patient Satisfaction, Lida Wiersum, Karen Valiyev, Kristin Wisegarver, Luca Hopkins

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

No abstract provided.

Let's Bundle Up! A Multimodal Approach In Reducing Cautis, Catherine Lin, Jennifer Michell, Jasmine Gill, Adhara Hanslee

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

No abstract provided.

Novel Nanoformulation Of Piperlongumine Attenuates Pancreatic Tumor Desmoplasia And Modulates Tumor Immune Responses, Vivek K. Kashyap, Reinaldo Mandes, Neeraj Chauhan, Daniel Zubieta, Mohammed Sikander, Eswara N.H.K Ghali, Bilal B. Hafeez, Murali M. Yallapu, Subhash C. Chauhan

Research Symposium

Pancreatic cancer (PanCa) is characterized by a lack of early diagnosis, poor response to available therapeutic modalities, and chemoresistance. Gemcitabine (GEM) is currently considered the most effective therapy for PanCa; however, it shows only a marginal survival benefit of 6 months. This poor drug response has been attributed to desmoplasia, causes suboptimal drug delivery, alters tumor microenvironment (TME), which includes tumor surrounding blood vessels, fibroblasts, immune cells, extracellular matrix, and other signaling molecules and induces chemo-resistance in tumors. To overcome these existing issues associated with chemotherapy, the identification and development of novel therapeutic modalities are a pressing need. Piperlongumine (PL) …

Impact Of Acute Stress On Circadian Rhythm Regulation Of Locomotor Activity In Syrian Hamsters, Raquel A. Villarreal, Laura E. Garcia, Mario Gil

Research Symposium

Background: Disruptions of circadian rhythms, caused by factors such as environmental changes or stress, are linked to health conditions, including metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and mood disorders. Circadian rhythm disturbances are particularly relevant for understanding the etiology of conditions like insomnia, depression, and anxiety. The circadian rhythm, primarily regulated by the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) in the hypothalamus, coordinates biological processes to align with daily environmental cycles. Acute stress, especially when experienced immediately upon waking, has been shown to disrupt these rhythms, impair sleep regulation, and exacerbate mood dysregulation. Given the significant clinical implications, understanding how stress impacts circadian rhythms is …

Fabrication Of Docetaxel Loaded Pcl/Plga Electrospun Nanofibers For Lung Cancer Therapy, Rahul Tiwari, Fnu Pranav, Eswara N. Hanuma Kumar Ghali, Subhash Chauhan, Murali Yallapu, Luis Chavez

Research Symposium

Background: Electrospinning is a commonly employed method in tissue engineering due to its ability to produce nano-/microscale fibrous materials with mechanical and functional properties that mimic the extracellular matrix of living tissues. The general interest in electrospun fibrous matrices has recently expanded to cancer research both as scaffolds for in vitro cancer modeling and as patches for in vivo therapeutic delivery. This research aims to investigate the efficient delivery of anticancer drug in lung cancer treatment.

Methods: Three different biocompatible polymeric nanofibers (i.e. PCL fibers, PCL-PLGA mixed fibers, and PCL-PLGA tetra-layered fibers) loaded with docetaxel, were prepared using electrospinning technique. …

Shorter Surveys, Better Insights: The Role Of Patient Reported Outcome Surveys In Value-Based Care, Paul Bonilla, Anesu Karen Murambadoro, Victoria Elizondo, Juan Pablo Flanagan

Research Symposium

Background: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are essential for tracking patient progress, but lengthy surveys, such as the 40 question Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), create time and cost challenges for private practice. Starting July 2024, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) now require hospitals to collect pre surgery and one year post surgery (9-15 months) HOOS JR and KOOS JR scores for total replacement surgeries, with public reporting set for 2027. Non-reporting carries financial penalties, underscoring the need for streamlined solutions. As value-based care becomes a priority, practical strategies are needed to reduce the burden on providers …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Cryoneurolysis As A Preoperative Intervention In Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Literature Review, Paul Bonilla, Anesu K. Murambadoro, Juan Pablo Flanagan, Victoria Elizondo, Aamir Ahmad

Research Symposium

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a highly effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis, but significant postoperative pain often necessitates opioid use. Over 70% of patients use opioid drugs 3 weeks after TKA and up to 15% of TKA patients develop opioid dependence, increasing the risk of adverse effects, infections, and contributes to costly revision surgeries. Cryoneurolysis, a minimally invasive technique involving freezing peripheral nerves, has gained attention as a promising preoperative intervention. This study explores the potential of cryoneurolysis as a preoperative intervention to alleviate pain, reduce opioid dependence, and improve functionality.

Methods: A literature search was conducted using the …

Dual-Modality Nerve Ablation: Preoperative Radiofrequency And Cryoneurolysis For Enhanced Pain Relief In Total Knee Arthroplasty, Paul Bonilla, Juan Pablo Flanagan, Anesu Karen Murambadoro, Victoria Elizondo, Aamir Ahmad, Devin Peck

Research Symposium

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) relieves debilitating knee osteoarthritis but is associated with significant postoperative pain managed by many modalities including opioid treatment. Current pain management strategies rarely address both deep and superficial pain sources effectively. This study aims to introduce a novel dual-modality preoperative pain management technique combining radiofrequency (RF) ablation and cryoneurolysis to improve patient outcomes and reduce opioid dependence postoperatively.

Methods: A literature search was conducted using the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) online database and PubMed with keywords including “cryoneurolysis” , “TKA” , “radiofrequency ablation”. Additionally, a semi-structured interview was conducted with a recognized …