Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Community Health Assessment: Chronic Disease And Demographics Among Patients At The Utrgv Som Student-Run Clinic, Fernando Cisneros, Andrea Argenal, Naya Williams, Sowmya Duddu, Yolanda Gutierrez, Kassandra Pulido, Alyssa Sepulveda, Ronald Shaju, Nathaniel Alvarez, Jessica Flores, Lucinda Hinojosa, Beatriz Tapia

Research Symposium

Background: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine Student-Run Clinic (UTRGV SOM SRC) is a free clinic that provides primary care to the underserved population of Hidalgo County. The Pueblo de Palmas colonias in Peñitas, Texas is a community in this medically underserved region. Understanding the unique healthcare needs of this population is essential for guiding the delivery of care and improving access to healthcare services in the area. This study aims to identify and describe the demographics of patients receiving care at the UTRGV SOM SRC in order to tailor health initiatives and provide more targeted, …

Investigating The Role Of Egr3 And C-Fos In Stress-Induced Behavioral Responses In The Rodent Brain, Ana P. Reyna Gonzalez, Ismael Perez, Mario Gil

Research Symposium

Background/ Purpose: Stress is a natural response to challenging situations which is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis of an individual organism. Research has indicated that overactivation of this system could lead to disorders like anxiety, depression, and PTSD (Azarte-Mejia et al., 2024). Studies of epigenetic research have indicated that Immediate Early Genes (IEGs) such as c-Fos and Egr3 are crucial in stress responses, regulating genes involved in synaptic plasticity and adaptation (Brosens et al., 2024). Therefore, understanding their roles in stress responses can inform therapeutic approaches for stress-related conditions.

Method: The current study examined Egr3 and c-Fos expression in …

Preserving The Native Valve: Does Valve-Sparing Repair Improve Outcomes In The Tetralogy Of Fallot Repair?, Amin Ibrahim, Arjun Bellamkonda, Sonya Bhatia, Tirath Patel, Natasha Quailes, Nikhilesh Anand, Bharathi S. Gadad

Research Symposium

Background: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), a complex congenital heart defect, often requires surgical intervention, and choosing the optimal approach is critical for long-term patient health. While individual studies have highlighted the potential benefits of valve-sparing surgeries, including improved cardiac function and reduced need for reintervention, no comprehensive systematic review has compared these outcomes directly with those of non-valve-sparing surgical techniques. This study aims to fill that gap by analyzing available evidence to provide clearer insights into the effectiveness and potential advantages of valve-sparing approaches thereby guiding clinical decision-making and improving surgical strategies for TOF patients.

Methods: Data collection was …

The Prevalence And Impact Of Extrarenal Involvement In Fibromuscular Dysplasia: A Systematic Review, Alyssa L. Sepulveda, Yolanda V. Gutierrez, Ronald A. Shaju

Research Symposium

Background: Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD) is a non-inflammatory vascular disease affecting medium-sized arteries, characterized by arterial stenosis, dissection, or aneurysm formation. While renal arteries are most involved, extrarenal manifestations, particularly in the carotid and vertebral arteries, are increasingly recognized. These non-renal presentations can lead to complications such as dissection, aneurysm, and ischemic events, influencing diagnosis and management strategies. This systematic review evaluates the prevalence and clinical impact of extrarenal FMD, with a focus on its role in patient outcomes and treatment.

Methods: A systematic review of PubMed, Science Direct, and Cochrane was conducted to identify studies published from 2000 to 2025. …

Overlap Of Pnh With Myelodysplastic Syndrome: Diagnostic Challenges And Management Approaches, Alyssa L. Sepulveda, Ronald A. Shaju, Yolanda V. Gutierrez

Research Symposium

Background: Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) are both hematologic disorders that overlap, posing challenges in diagnosis and management. PNH involves complement-mediated hemolysis and clonal hematopoiesis, while MDS is characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and cytopenias. Their shared features, such as clonal mutations and bone marrow failure, can complicate differentiation. Flow cytometry is essential for identifying PNH clones and guiding treatment. Understanding this overlap is key to improving outcomes through targeted therapies and advanced management strategies.

Methods: A systematic review of PubMed, Science Direct, and Cochrane was conducted for articles published between 2000 and 2025. Keywords included 'paroxysmal nocturnal …

Long-Term Safety And Comparative Efficacy Of Il-17 Inhibitors In Treating Ankylosing Spondylitis, Alyssa L. Sepulveda, Yolanda V. Gutierrez, Ronald A. Shaju

Research Symposium

Background:
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the axial skeleton, characterized by spinal stiffness, sacroiliitis, and potential vertebral fusion. While nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are first-line treatments, IL-17 inhibitors, such as secukinumab and ixekizumab, are used in patients with inadequate response or contraindications to TNF inhibitors. These targeted therapies address IL-17’s role in driving inflammation and structural damage in AS.

Methods:
A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Science Direct, and Cochrane to identify studies published between 2000 and 2025. Keywords included “Ankylosing spondylitis” and “IL-17 inhibitors” and “efficacy.” Inclusion criteria …

Spine Surgery In South Texas: The Impact Of Rurality On Surgeon Demographics And Access To Care, Anesu K. Murambadoro, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Patrick De La Torre Schutz, Allison J. Mcadams, Anjali Rose Binoy, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Introduction: Female representation in spine surgery remains low, with only 4% of orthopedic spine surgeons and 9% of neurosurgeons identifying as female. Studies have shown that factors such as societal perceptions, limited support for family planning, and a lack of mentorship deter women from pursuing surgical careers. We hypothesize that representation may be further impacted in US-Border regions. Specifically, over 90% of Texas' 32 border counties lack sufficient primary care services, including specialty care such as orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery, leading residents to seek care outside the region. Here, we sought to evaluate the demographics of spine surgeons (orthopedic and …

Rotating Hinge Vs. Total Condylar “When To Decide”: A Surgical Algorithm, Benjamin Huang, Russell T. Nevins

Annual Research Symposium

Research symposium for general health topics

Single Stage Hinge Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty Of A Chronically Infected Knee: A Case Report, Benjamin Huang, Angel Oliver, Russell T. Nevins

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Periodontal Therapy With Non-Invasive Adjunctive Techniques A Comparative Literature Review, Stockton Stohl, Kamran H. Awan

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

When Two Doses Make All The Difference: The Case Of Factor V Leiden In A Young Hispanic Male, Alberto Pena, Janetly Reinoso, Liza Salloum, Khiem D. Ngo, Sobia Memon, Johanna Mora

Research Symposium

Background: Recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) causes a substantial burden, particularly when the cause is unclear. Traditionally VTE risks include older age, immobilization, obesity, and malignancy. When VTE recurs in a young patient without these traditional factors, genetics must be considered. Of the inherited thrombophilias, Factor V Leiden (FVL) is the most common. Normally, activated factor V combines with factor X to produce thrombin, leading to clot formation. This process is regulated by activated protein C (APC), which inactivates factor V to stop coagulation. FVL is a single-base point mutation at one of the APC cleavage sites on Factor Va and …

Chronic Disease In Hispanics Nationally And In States Neighboring The Border: What Can We Learn From All Of Us Database?, Abdallah Galal, Bassent Abdelbary

Research Symposium

Background: Chronic diseases pose significant health challenges with higher impact on specific demographic groups in the United States. Hispanics face a disproportionate burden of chronic diseases compared to non-Hispanic whites, experiencing higher rates of conditions such as obesity, diabetes, renal and cardiovascular diseases. This health disparity can be attributed to various factors, including socioeconomic status, cultural influences, access to healthcare, acculturation, and genetic predisposition. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence and burden of diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease within the Hispanic/Latino population in the United States, assess biological and sociodemographic risk factors, and analyze disparities …

Role Of Urolithin A In Cancer Therapy, Aanya S. Chauhan, Vinita Karumuru, Mahi P. Yallapu, Anupam Dhasmana

Research Symposium

Background: Cancer is a big health problem around the world, causing many deaths even though there have been improvements in treatments. Some of the main challenges in treating cancer include side effects, resistance to treatments, cancer spreading to other parts of the body (metastasis), and the disease coming back (recurrence). Scientists are looking for safer and better ways to treat cancer. One promising option is using natural substances that come from plants, which are less toxic and have a lot of potential for fighting diseases. One of these substances is Urolithin A (UA), a compound made in the body when …

Early Introduction Of Simulation In Undergraduate Nursing: How To Improve The First Year Nursing Experience, Tori Furlong, Kayla Skeate, Sara Nylin

Day of Scholarship

In spring 2023, nursing faculty introduced a simulation experience in the sophomore Health Assessment course. This initiative aimed to enhance student learning outcomes and reduce anxiety related to clinical practice, based on current research which indicates early introduction to simulation has a positive impact on student anxiety in the clinical setting. The simulation served as a summative assessment, integrating key competencies such as patient data collection, therapeutic communication, vital signs assessment, and respiratory evaluation. Initial evaluation efforts are ongoing, with data collection extending into 2024 after adding a documentation element. Data from the 2023 pilot suggests that the simulation significantly …

Safe And Effective Team Communication: Utilizing Virtual Simulation To Apply Ipass And Isbarr, Bethany J. Gerdin, Laura Nugteren, Ann E. Holland Phd, Rn

Day of Scholarship

Research problem: Recognizing failure in communication and teamwork as leading causes of sentinel events in patient care, the Department of Health and Human Services (2023) recommends utilizing standard scripts such as ISBARR and the newly developed IPASS for effective team communication. Study Design: Due to limited opportunity for interdisciplinary communication in the clinical setting, course faculty designed an alternative clinical experience using virtual simulation (VSIM). Students complete a medical-surgical VSIM independently and then participate in a faculty-guided small group experience to discuss rationale. They collaboratively prepare an ISBARR communication between the nurse and provider for a patient need that occurs …

Evaluation Of Unique Care Coordination And Transition Management Clinical Module, Debbie Solomon, Ann E. Holland Phd, Rn

Day of Scholarship

A two-year curriculum evaluation was undertaken to guide development of a unique clinical curricular module focused on care coordination and transition management. The module, in place in the junior curriculum since 2015, had been modified through the years in response to changes in faculty, clinical partners, and department resources. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly limited student field experiences, requiring development of existing and new on-campus simulated learning experiences. Three analytic processes were used to evaluate how teaching methods and resource utilization contributed to student achievement of learning outcomes. The results led faculty to reinitiate field experiences in home care and hospice …

Patient Centered Care Coordination: The Impact Of A Non-Acute Care Clinical Curricular Module On Nursing Student Learning Outcomes, Ann Holland, Jone Tiffany, Kathy Tilton, Mccall Kleve

Day of Scholarship

Addition of Care Coordination module to nursing curriculum

Nurses’ Understanding Of Skin Cancer, Sun Protective Behaviors And Their Ability And Comfort Level In Teaching And Screening Patients, Victoria Siegel Edd, Cns, Rn, Veronica Feeg, Lincy Philip, Patti Eckardt

Faculty Research Day

Abstract

Background:

Health promotion and patient advocacy are part of nursing practice. Nurses are in an ideal position to educate and assess patients for skin cancer. Skin cancer has reached epidemic proportions and is the only cancer increasing in frequency.

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to explore nurses’ understanding of skin cancer, sun protective behaviors and their ability and comfort level in teaching and screening patients.

Methods:

This survey study was designed to evaluate nurses’ understanding of skin cancer, sun protective behaviors and their ability and comfort level in teaching and screening patients. Participants were nurses in practice …

Bloom: Behavioral Learning And Outcome Observation In Microbes, Sean Sarwar Haque, Luke Compton Wharton, Ming Lin, Razvan Voicu

Symposium of Student Scholars

Understanding how pathogens respond to physical changes in their environment is crucial for developing effective treatments and preventative measures. Current research often relies on static models or experimental data that either fail to capture the dynamic interactions within cellular environments or are not generalizable to other types of pathogens. This project aims to address this gap by creating a comprehensive cell simulation that models pathogens and their response to chemical, physical, and physiological changes. The proposed solution is a simulation that integrates biological data and computational modeling to replicate the behavior of pathogens in real time as they are affected …

Survey Of Mosquito Larval Habitats At The Ksu Field Station, Rose Sofia, Eli Lovvorn, Aspen Hartman, Andrew Haddow

Symposium of Student Scholars

The greater Atlanta metropolitan area hosts numerous mosquito species that are nuisance biters and can transmit arthropod-borne diseases to humans. We surveyed the Kennesaw State University (KSU) Field Station – an incredibly biodiverse location – where student, staff, and faculty-led groups engage in outdoor research and teaching activities. The KSU Field Station located in Cobb County, GA is a heavily trafficked 25-acre property that may attract various mosquito species capable of transmitting pathogens to humans and animals alike. On August 27th, 2024, our team investigated the KSU Field Station to quantify and record potential water-holding containers that serve as mosquito …

Relationship Between Prevalence Of Disability And Receiving The Covid-19 Vaccine Abstract, Brady Beard, Michael Treichler, Kevin Gittner

Symposium of Student Scholars

COVID-19 vaccines were developed to reduce the spread and severity of the virus, particularly among vulnerable populations. People with disabilities are at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions, limited access to healthcare, and potential barriers to preventive measures like social distancing. Despite their vulnerability, disabled individuals may face challenges in accessing vaccines, such as physical barriers, transportation issues, or a lack of tailored information. Additionally, vaccine hesitancy may be influenced by concerns about potential side effects harming existing disabilities. This study investigates the research question: "Is there a relationship between receiving the COVID-19 vaccine …

Statistical Analysis Of Sex And Adolescent E-Vapor Product Use, Madison Caroline Weeks, Anna Kate Lane, Kevin Gittner

Symposium of Student Scholars

This study aims to examine the relationship between sex and electronic vapor product use among adolescent high school students aged 12 to 17. As the use of electronic vapor products, commonly known as e-cigarettes or vapes, continues to rise among youth, understanding demographic trends is crucial for the creation of public health interventions. A quantitative approach was utilized to create appropriate visuals and analyze the data, providing a clear representation of the patterns observed. This study utilizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). The sample size of the dataset being used in …

Accuracy Of Task-Based Electrocorticography Brain Mapping And Relationships With Postoperative Cognitive-Linguistic Changes Following Eloquent Glioma Resection, Kyle R. Noll, Israt Tasnim, Priscella Asman, Katherine Connelly, Chandra Swamy, Matthew Muir, Mathew Hall, Jeffrey Wefel, Sahil Bajaj, Giuseppe Pellizzer, Nuri F. Ince, Suji S. Prabhu

Cancer Survivorship Research Retreat

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 2025 Cancer Survivorship Research Retreat

Addressing Obesity In Cancer Survivorship: Referral Gaps And Patient Engagement In Nutrition And Lifestyle Interventions, Brian Dinh, Kelly Nguyen, Whittney Thoman, Katherine Gilmore, Ying Qiao, Kathy Carpenter, Zayed Razouki, David Santos, Michael Roth

Cancer Survivorship Research Retreat

No abstract provided.

Synergistic Effects Of Bacillus Coagulans And Β-Glucans: Potential Benefits Of Probiotic And Prebiotic Use On The Gastrointestinal Tract And Microbiome In Humans, Jennifer Bermudez

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

The Correlation Between Temporomandibular Disorder (Tmd) And Vitamin D Deficiency, Iris Kim, Claudia Freitas

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Intraocular Pressure Changes Associated With Psychological Stress Or Anxiety In Both Healthy And Glaucoma-Diagnosed Patients, Triston Crook, Porter Biggs, James Fini, Zane Kingsbury

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Insurance And Iol Selection: A Case For Reevaluating Toric Iol Premium Designation Status In Astigmatic Cataract Patients, Conrad K. Ashby, Kayvon A. Moin, David W. Sant, Phillip C. Hoopes, Majid Moshirfar

Annual Research Symposium

Roseman Symposium 2025

Investigating Fetalgro Ex As An Alternative To Fetal Bovine Serum In Supplementing Cell Culture Growth, Porter Fife

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Various Methods For Obtaining Dna Samples From Remote Individuals, Alexander Baumann, Elden Jenkins, Jared Carter, Mark Crawford, Jonathon Alden Enlow, Marlena Muszynska, Christopher Spencer Walker, Christina Nelson, John A. Kriak, Kyle B. Bills, David W. Sant

Annual Research Symposium

Roseman Symposium 2025