Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Novel Analogue Of Ormeloxifene Suppresses Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition By Disrupting Β-Catenin Signaling In Cervical Cancer, Mohammed Sikander, Shabnam Malik, Sonam Kumari, Sheema Khan, John Apraku, Aditya Ganju, Parvez Khan, Fathi T. Halaweish, Murali Yallapu, Meena Jaggi, Subhash Chauhan

Research Symposium

Background: Cervical cancer (CxC) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity among women worldwide. Current chemotherapeutic agents for CxC have shown systemic toxicity in CxC patients. Ormeloxifene (ORM) is a non-toxic and non-steroidal drug with well-defined pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties in humans. Studies have shown its anticancer potential in various pre-clinical mouse models. Here, we have synthesized and characterized a novel analogue of ormeloxifene, Bromo-ormeloxifene (Br-ORM), which showed more therapeutic efficacy against CxC in vitro and in vivo model systems.

Methodology: The effect of Br-ORM on CxC cells (CaSki and SiHa) growth and proliferation was determined by colony formation …

Proteomic Profiling Of Stress-Associated Proteins In Hepatocellular Carcinoma And The Hepatoprotective Effects Of Silymarin, Mohammad Shabir Hussain, Yamile A. Anaya, Amairani Sanchez, Sophia Leslie, Manish Kumar Tripathi

Research Symposium

Background: The liver is the principal organ responsible for the detoxification of exogenous and endogenous toxins, xenobiotics, and viruses and bacteria, making it susceptible to damage by various chemicals and metabolites that enter the body. In clinical relevance, Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global health concern, being the sixth most common cancer worldwide and third leading cause of cancer-related death. HCC accounts for 85–90% of liver cancers globally. Texas is projected to have the second-highest liver cancer-related deaths, with Hispanic populations experiencing the highest mortality rates. The liver, a vital metabolic organ, is particularly vulnerable to stress-induced damage. According …

Geographic And Ethnic Disparities In Melanoma Diagnosis Age: A Comparative Study Of The Rio Grande Valley And Other Texas Counties, Natasha N. Quailes, Smaran Marupudi, Elias Arellano Villanueva, Olivia Samaie, Angel Phillip, Jared Hensley, Maria Villegas, Bharathi Gadad

Research Symposium

Background: Melanoma, a serious skin cancer, has varied demographic, geographic, and genetic influences on diagnosis and survival. Understanding the factors contributing to age at diagnosis and survival disparities can guide public health strategies and interventions. This study examines data from the Texas Cancer Registry to assess the age of melanoma diagnosis and associated differences between individuals in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) and other counties in Texas, focusing on Hispanic and Non-Hispanic populations.

Methodology: Using data from the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR) spanning 1995-2019, this analysis included patients categorized into two geographic groups: the RGV (Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr, and Willacy …

The Effect Of Artificial Intelligence On High Tibial Osteotomies, Mohammad Khalil, David Rakay, Mohammad Y. Karkoutly, Zayd Ayas, Omar Karkoutly

Research Symposium

Background: High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a surgical procedure which helps in managing lower limb deformities, provides pain relief, and arrests the progression of osteoarthritis of the knee joint. This surgical method involves cutting and realignment of the tibia and this is only as effective as the accuracy with which the tibia is cut and realigned and this success is based on the understanding of the biomechanics and the anatomical characteristics of the patient. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming more widespread in the field of orthopaedic surgery, with applications in diagnostics, pre-operative planning, and predictive models of outcomes following procedures. …

Return To Sport After Anterior Shoulder Stabilization Of Ncaa Football And Nfl Athletes – A Systematic Review, Yolanda V. Gutierrez, Mohammad Khalil, Aasim Ahmad, Aamir Ahmad

Research Symposium

Background: Anterior shoulder instability is an injury prevalent in contact and non-contact athletes and can result in limited movement, increased recurrence of dislocation, and decreased quality of sports activity. Notable sports that present with frequent anterior shoulder instability include wrestling, hockey, basketball, baseball, and most commonly, football. Athletes may undergo surgical management of anterior shoulder instability via arthroscopic repair, remplissage, Laterjet, or glenoid bone grafting procedures. This review aims to evaluate the return-to-sport rates among elite football athletes in the NCAA and NFL following surgical stabilization, assess post-surgical performance, and analyze the recurrence of instability or complications.

Methods: This systematic …

Incidence Of Diabetes And Obesity In Adhesive Capsulitis Cases In The Rio Grande Valley, Mohammad Khalil, Blake Martin

Research Symposium

Background: Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, is a condition characterized by pain and restricted motion in the shoulder joint. Previous studies implicate diabetes as one of the core risk factors for the condition, along with thyroid disease, female sex, and prolonged immobilization. This study aims to investigate the incidence of diabetes and obesity in patients diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis in the Rio Grande Valley, a region with a high prevalence of metabolic disorders.

Methods: A retrospective analysis (IRB-24-0306) was conducted on 836 patients diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis. Demographic variables, including age, sex, and ethnicity, were collected. Clinical data regarding shoulder …

Structural Studies Of Zinc Cations Modulating The N-Terminal Of Synapse-Associated Protein 102 (Sap102), Mohammad Y. Karkoutly, Yonghong Zhang

Research Symposium

Neurological disorders are diseases of the central or peripheral nervous system caused by dysfunction in the brain, spinal cord, or other nervous tissue. Due to the dynamic nature of neurons and their highly specialized structure and function, piecing together the underlying cause of these disorders is difficult. The dysfunction of neuronal synapses, which are specialized structures that allow the transfer of information between neurons--either electrically or chemically--are believed to contribute to brain diseases. More specifically, excitatory glutamatergic synapses have been implicated in causing neuronal cell death under conditions of excess glutamate. Thus, glutamate receptors like the NMDA receptors and their …

High Risk Human Papilloma Virus (Hpv) And The Relationship With Cervical Cancer In The Lower Rio Grande Valley (Lrgv) And The Mexico Border, Miroslava Gomez-Garza, Noe Garza, Desiree Garza, Ihsan Salloum

Research Symposium

Background: HPV infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It is transmitted through sexual relations, skin-to-skin or mucous membrane contact, and by direct vertical transmission from mother to child (at birth). The highest prevalence is in women of 20 to 30 years. Risk factors include early initiation of sexual intercourse, having multiple sexual partners, immunosuppressed status, tobacco use, low socioeconomic level, and long-term use of oral contraceptives. More than 85% of deaths from cervical cancer (CC) occur in low- and middle-income countries. Approximately, 200 types of HPV have been identified, according to the degree of pathogenicity, they …

Exploring Adhd, Sleep Disorders, And Asthma Comorbidities In Pediatric Patients With Autism Or Epilepsy: A Retrospective Analysis In The Rio Grande Valley, Miguel A. Quintanilla, Karina Y. Zamora, Sowmya Duddu, Maria Sophia Zaraspe Malbas, Allison J. Mcadams, Julia Paz, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and epilepsy are common neurodevelopmental conditions that can significantly impact the health of a child. It is widely known that children with ASD or epilepsy are often at a higher risk of suffering from other health conditions like ADHD, sleep disorders, and even asthma. Additionally, such children may be at greater risk for these comorbidities when combined with a high body mass index (BMI). Children in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) are particularly vulnerable due to limited healthcare resources and the alarmingly high prevalence of obesity in the area. This study aimed to determine whether …

Under The Surface: A Rare Case Of Morphea In The Rio Grande Valley, Miguel A. Lopez, Jared Hensley, Maria Villegas

Research Symposium

Localized scleroderma, also referred to as “morphea,” is a rare autoimmune disorder that occurs in an estimated one out of 10,000 patients per year. Research on the demographics of morphea has shown an increased prevalence in female patients. Its presentation may consist of skin lesions confined to the epidermis and dermis that appear erythematous and bruise-like, with signs of central skin tightening or sclerosis; deeper lesions may be identified as edematous, erythematous plaques in the absence of well-defined borders. A subtype named “En coup de sabre,” exists among the classification of “linear morphea” and presents with a linear induration either …

Maternal Health And Congenital Heart Defects: Investigating Ventricular Septal Defects In South Texas Region 11, Miguel A. Lopez, Sophia Moon, Jonathan M. Hebert, Padmanabhan Rengasamy

Research Symposium

Congenital heart defects are a known risk factor for early childhood mortality and can be traced to poor maternal health, a crisis plaguing the South Texas region. This perspective research project utilizes previously computed data on the prevalence of ventricular septal defects (VSD) in South Texas region 11 combined with a comprehensive literature review to investigate the correlation between both maternal obesity and diabetes with VSD. Current literature supports a significant association between maternal diabetes and VSD, with one Russian study reporting an eight to nine fold increased risk in VSD in children born to diabetic mothers. By contrast, the …

An Endocrine Enigma: The Implications Of Pembrolizumab Therapy, Miguel A. Lopez, Mario Trujillo Acosta, Jose Romero Villarreal Calderon, Laura Garcia

Research Symposium

Disorders of the endocrine system are a potential complication of cancer treatment despite newer immunotherapy agents holding promise to improve patient outcomes. Breast cancer in particular requires pharmacologic intervention based on the receptor positivity. For example, a triple negative workup often requires neoadjuvant therapy with the newer immunotherapy agent pembrolizumab. Clinicians should be aware of the potential adverse effects of this drug, most notably adrenal insufficiency. This case follows a 52 year old hispanic female patient with a history of triple negative left sided breast cancer on immunotherapy with pembrolizumab, who presented to the emergency department after a syncopal episode …

Comparing Radiation Therapy To Non-Radiation Treatments For Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Anthony Alanis, Kory Punch, Alex Zuo

Research Symposium

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma primarily affecting the skin, with subtypes including mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to compare the efficacy of radiation therapy (e.g., total skin electron beam therapy, localized radiation) versus non-radiation treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, immunotherapy) in adults with CTCL. Comprehensive searches were conducted in databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Ovid MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and EU Clinical Trials Registry, focusing on studies published in English within the last five years. Primary outcomes include response rate, disease-free survival, overall survival, and quality of …

Outcomes Of Double Free Flap Reconstruction For Advanced Head And Neck Tumors In A Safety-Net Hospital Population, Yossef Alsabawi, John M. Gaddis, Angela D. Haskins, Jonathan Shum, David J. Hernandez

Research Symposium

Background: Double-free flap reconstruction has emerged as a viable option for addressing more complicated defects after oncologic resection. We aim to report the feasibility of this approach at a single-institutional safety net hospital.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed between November 2020 and October 2023 for adult patients who underwent multiple, simultaneous free tissue transfers for head and neck defects following tumor resection. This study occurs at Ben Taub Hospital, a safety net hospital in Houston, Texas. Data collected included demographics, risk factors, oncologic and operative details, complications, and functional and disease outcomes. Socioeconomic status was assessed …

Promoting Resident Well-Being Through The Fortify Resilience Initiative: Exploring The Impact Of Wellness Interventions On Psychological Outcomes In Graduate Medical Education And Beyond, Monica C. Perez, Deepu George, Maria G. Hernandez, Joanna Garza, Yvette K. Cantu Cazares, Mayrin A. Perez

Research Symposium

Background: The Fortify Resilience Initiative (FRI) is focused on building and sustaining a culture of well-being for Residents and Fellows (R/Fs) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Medicine (SOM) Graduate Medical Education (GME) residency and fellowship programs. The current literature underscores the pressing need to address the mental health and well-being of medical residents and fellows, who face heightened risks of burnout and psychological distress. These challenges are particularly acute in underserved regions like the Rio Grande Valley, where healthcare workforce shortages exacerbate health disparities. By promoting the well-being of medical residents and fellows, …

Primary Care Behavioral Health Partnerships Advancing & Transforming Health Sciences (Pcbh Paths): An Initiative To Address Health Disparities And Promote Equitable Care In The Rio Grande Valley (Rgv), Deepu George, Joanna Garza, Maria G. Hernandez, Yvette K. Cantu Cazares, Monica C. Perez, Yvette K. Cantu Cazares, Mayrin A. Perez

Research Symposium

Purpose: The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) faces significant socio-economic challenges, with 35.6% of residents living in poverty and uninsured rates as high as 40%. Each year, approximately 260,000 residents experience mild to moderate behavioral health conditions. Behavioral health care in the region is particularly scarce, with only 30.1 mental health providers per 100,000 compared to the statewide average of 72.7. Furthermore, approximately 90.5% of the population identifies as Hispanic/Latino, so culturally relevant interventions are critical. The Primary Care Behavioral Health Partnerships Advancing & Transforming Health Sciences (PCBH PATHS) Initiative addresses these disparities by 1) developing a PCBH model tailored to …

Epilepsy In The Hispanic Population In The Rgv: A Five-Year Retrospective Chart Review, Megan W. Szobody, Kelsey Potter-Baker

Research Symposium

Introduction: Epilepsy is a seizure disorder characterized by abnormal electrical patterns in the brain that lead to changes in synchronization of neuronal firing patterns. Presentations of seizures vary, and include convulsions, changes in awareness, loss of consciousness, or unusual sensations. Approximately 3.4 million Americans suffer from epilepsy, with close to 15,000 in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). The RGV is home to a vast Hispanic population, with 91% of its population identifying as Hispanic or Latino, according to the American Immigration Council’s research in 2019. However, literature on the prevalence, and presentation of epilepsy within the Hispanic population …

Optimization Of Multi-Session Temporary Deafferentation In Healthy Subjects For Applications In Neurorehabilitation, Mayrin A. Perez, Edrick Garcia, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Temporary deafferentation (TD) has emerged as a powerful methodological and rehabilitation tool, used in animal and clinical studies for over 50 years. TD uses temporary anesthesia to suppress or lower the afferent input from a region, dermatome or innervated muscle. Previous data in our laboratory has shown benefit from a single session of TD. Here, we evaluated multi-session delivery of TD in healthy subjects. We hypothesized that multi-session delivery of TD will result in larger benefits in arm and hand function, compared to a single session. We hypothesized that our observed improvements would be due to improved muscle physiological response …

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

Research Symposium

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.

We analyzed publicly available data from the Department of State Health Services trauma database for 2018 – 2022. We evaluated ICD-10 codes for facial fractures (S02), …

The Influence Of Stroke Characteristics On Gad-7 And Phq-9 Scores: A Retrospective Analysis In The Rio Grande Valley, Maria Sophia Zaraspe Malbas, Allison J. Mcadams, Julia Paz, Miguel Quintanilla, Karina Y. Zamora, Sowmya Duddu, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Background: Strokes, also known as cerebral infarctions, are life-threatening emergencies. They involve blockage of blood flow to the brain and require prompt and critical management to prevent permanent damage or death. The long-term effects of a stroke may include impaired speech, restricted physical mobility, as well as depression and anxiety. The prevalence of anxiety and depression after a stroke is estimated between 20-25% and 20-40% of patients respectively. Just as it is imperative to treat strokes as they transpire, it is equally important to initiate appropriate rehabilitation and therapy targeting post-stroke psychiatric outcomes. The Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) …

Interdisciplinary Integrated Primary And Behavioral Healthcare (I2pbh) Initiative: Establishing A Multidisciplinary And Innovative Primary Care Behavioral Health (Pcbh) Certificate Training Program At The University Of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Deepu George, Joanna Garza, Maria G. Hernandez, Yvette K. Cantu Cazares, Monica C. Perez, Mayrin A. Perez

Research Symposium

Purpose: The Interdisciplinary Integrated Primary and Behavioral Healthcare (I²PBH) Initiative aims to establish a Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) certificate pathway that equips the next generation of behavioral health professionals to provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and population-based care. By leveraging evidence-based PCBH Integrated Care, the program addresses critical challenges in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), such as limited access to behavioral health services and increasing behavioral health disparities. This initiative actively promotes health equity by building a sustainable workforce pipeline prepared to serve medically underserved populations and reduce behavioral healthcare disparities in the RGV.

Description: Established …

A Review Of Educational Interventions To Increase Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Rates In Low-Income Populations, Maria F. Lozano Bonilla, Bria Okere, Yazeth Gonzalez, Maria Camila Gonzalez Tovar

Research Symposium

Background: The human papillomavirus (HPV) 9-valent vaccine protects against nine high-risk types of HPV which are known to cause genital warts, cervical, vaginal, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancer. As of 2022, Texas ranks 48th in HPV vaccine completion rates and 44th in vaccine initiation rates. In Hidalgo County, only 16.8% of females and 16.7% of males aged 9 to 17 have completed the HPV vaccination series. This ranks the county 119th for females and 111th for males out of 254 counties in the state of Texas. These rates are remarkably below the Healthy People 2030 target of an 80% completion …

Unveiling The Pathophysiology Of Hpv And Cervical Cancer, Maria Camila Gonzalez Tovar, Yazeth Gonzalez, Maria Lozano Bonilla, Bria Okere, Sira Nakwaasah

Research Symposium

Background: Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that causes HPV-associated diseases such as vaginal, penile, cervical, and oropharyngeal cancer. Each year in the United States, about 13,000 cases of cervical cancer develop, and an estimated 4,000 deaths are attributed to it. Approximately 35,000 of U.S. citizens develop an HPV-related cancer every year. There are disparities in the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer across ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, and regions. In the United States, Hispanic individuals comprise only 18% of the population, yet Hispanic women have the highest incidence of cervical cancer. Hispanic women have a 32% greater …

Understanding The Correlation Between Risk Factors For Dementia In The Rio Grande Valley, Maria Camila Gonzalez Tovar, Juan Carlos Lopez Alvarenga, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Background: As the prevalence of dementia increases globally, the demand to develop and understand what early preventive measures can be taken becomes more relevant. Vascular comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension are among the most common contributing risk factors for cognitive impairment. Type 2 diabetes is heavily associated with cognitive impairment and impaired synaptic plasticity due to decreased insulin signaling in the brain. Midlife obesity has been associated with Alzheimer's disease development due to a link between the elevated levels of adipose tissue with lower cortical thickness. Dementia is a multifactorial disease and in order to create an effective preventive …

Superior Vena Cava Syndrome Due To Germ Cell Tumor In A Young Adult: Case Report, Manlio F. Lara Duck, Netzahualcoyotl Mayek Pérez, Juan Rosales Martínez

Research Symposium

Background: In superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS), the superior vena cava becomes mechanically obstructed by venous thrombus formation or by compression caused by intrathoracic tumors. SVCS is most common in men over 45 years of age; 22.5% of patients with SVCS have stage IV lung cancer or lymphoma. SVCS may occur secondary to extrathoracic tumors (testicular, ovarian, kidney, intestinal).

Case presentation: Male (24 years old) with a history of cancer in his maternal grandmother; denied drug addiction. Factory worker who denied being in direct contact with any chemicals and/or toxins. He reported non-productive cough; paroxysmal unilateral left facial edema without …

Developing Ship On-Chip Strategy Of Transporting Theranostic Radionuclides For Rapid And Efficient Radiopharmaceutical Production, Mai Lin, Robert Ta, Mark Mc Veigh, Joseph Lapka, Don Nolting, Leon Marcel Bellan, William Charlton, H. Charles Manning

Research Symposium

Introduction: Radiopharmaceuticals play a critical role in cancer diagnosis, staging, and therapy. Recent successes in radiotheranostics (which utilize targeted radiopharmaceutical pairs for both diagnosis and therapy) have led to improved outcomes in challenging clinical settings, such as neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer. Despite the tremendous potential, development of new radiopharmaceutical agents and widespread distribution is hampered by the extreme costs associated with production and delivery. Most hospitals require a substantial investment in facility and operational equipment for radiosynthesis that in turn limits the development of radiopharmaceuticals and their impact on precision medicine. Herein, we describe a simple and inexpensive microfluidic …

Retrospective Analyses Of The Incidence Of Major Depressive Disorder Among Post-Surgery Patients In The Rio Grande Valley, Kaitlyn D. Ybanez, Jennifer V. Escamilla, Shiza Khan, Maci D. Oestreich, Kelsey A. Baker

Research Symposium

Introduction: Post-surgical recovery extends beyond physical healing, encompassing the psychological toll many patients experience. Emerging evidence suggests a notable association between major surgeries and the onset and/or exacerbation of mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder, and personality disorder. These conditions can profoundly impact patient quality of life and overall outcomes, highlighting the need for further exploration into their prevalence, screening efforts, and contributing factors. This study aims to investigate the incidence of MDD in patients following major surgeries within the Rio Grande Valley (RGV).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review at UTHealth RGV from 2019 …

Clinical Relapse Versus Treatment Failure: The Case For Surveillance For Re-Appearance Of Minimal Measurable Disease In Pediatric Patients With Higher Risk B-All, Paul S. Gaynon, Linwei Li

Research Symposium

Background: Despite significant advancements in the treatment of pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), chemotherapy has reached its end of “intensification” stage despite improvements in supportive care. Moreover, relapse remains a major challenge, particularly in high-risk populations such as adolescents and young adults (AYAs). The definition of threshold for clinical relapse as 25% presence of marrow lymphoblasts was established decades ago, which may be incoherent with current therapeutic strategies and delay the window for timely treatment for relapsed patients. Emerging data suggest that early detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) may offer an opportunity to intervene before clinical relapse, improving …

Alk Drives Neuroblastoma Tumorigenesis Via Upregulation Of Postn And Activation Of Wnt And Stat3 Signaling, Miller Huang, Wanqi Fang, Alvin Farrel, Linwei Li, Tania Porras Corredor, Shahab Asgharzadeh, John Maris, William A. Weiss

Research Symposium

Background: Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. Two of the earliest known genetic drivers of NB are the oncogene MYCN and receptor tyrosine kinase ALK. While animal models show MYCN and mutationally active ALK F1174L can accelerate NB tumorigenesis, the mechanism of this cooperation is unknown. This study applied a human stem cell-based model to elucidate how ALK cooperates with MYCN to accelerate tumorigenesis of NB.

Methods: Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were engineered with doxycycline-inducible MYCN and constitutively active ALKF1174L. These iPSCs were differentiated into trunk neural crest cells (tNCCs) and orthotopically transplanted into …

Development Of High Affinity Aptamers To Cd10 Recombinant Human Neprilysin Protein For Aptamer-Crispr Biosensor, Kory Punch, Christopher Hu, Yolanda Fortenberry, Khamequz Zaman

Research Symposium

Many inflammatory joint diseases are associated with the expression of CD10 protein, which plays a large part in the pro-inflammatory and pain transmission signaling of the infrapatellar fat pad. This pro-inflammatory mechanism is a prime indicator in the degradation of the articular cartilage of various joints found in human musculoskeletal tissue. CD10 expression in Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) is directly related to its immunomodulatory and chondroprotective effects. Thus, this project focuses on developing an aptamer-CRISPR based biosensor that will detect CD10 expression without perturbation of the sample. Aptamers are small, single-stranded nucleic acid molecules that can fold into distinctive structures, …