Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Utilization Of Pap Smears And Cervicovaginal Fluid For Early Ovarian Cancer Screening & Detection, Natasha Bell, Subhash C. Chauhan

Research Colloquium

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) remains the gynecologic cancer with the highest mortality due to late-stage diagnosis, lack of effective screening tools, and nonspecific symptoms. This literature review evaluates the use of Pap smears and cervicovaginal fluids for early OC detection. This review explores their potential for detecting OC-specific biomarkers, mutations, proteomics, and methylation patterns from Pap smears and cervicovaginal fluids to investigate their effectiveness and utility as screening and diagnostic tools for OC.

Methods: A systematic PubMed search was conducted using keywords related to ovarian cancer diagnosis, Pap smears, early detection, cervical swabs, mutations, and methylation. Eligibility criteria focused on …

Honey: A Natural Recipe For The Management Of Pancreatic Cancer, Aun A. Bangash, Muhammad A. Bangash, Georgina Villanueva, Haider Ahsan, Shiza Khan, Rida Shareef, Mudassier Ahmad, Dae J. Kim, Sahir S. Alvi, Bilal B. Hafeez

Research Colloquium

Background: Pancreatic cancer (PanCa) is the fourth deadliest cancer worldwide and expected to become the second deadliest cancer by 2030. In the USA, the National Cancer Institute put forth a grim prediction stating that there will be 64,050 new cases in 2023 alone and about 50,000 of these patients will die. The first line treatment for pancreatic cancer is Folfrinox, a three-drug regimen consisting of 5-Fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin. The second line treatment is gemcitabine combined with paclitaxel. Only 19% of patients who are prescribed the former regimen survive past 18 months of treatment while just 6% of patients survive …

Primary Combined Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma: A Case Report Of An Under-Diagnosed Primary Liver Cancer, Mohamad Ayas, Saif Affas, Zayd M. Ayas, Momal Chand, Tarik Hadid

Research Colloquium

Background: Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (CHC) is a rare and aggressive primary tumor of the liver. Histologically, it comprises components of both hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CC) but is associated with a worse prognosis. International guidelines regarding its management are scarce, with surgical management (major hepatectomy) being the treatment of choice.

Case presentation: We present a 73-year-old male with a past medical history of alcohol dependance with a two-week history of the right upper quadrant (RUQ) abdominal pain that was sharp in nature. Abdominal examination showed tenderness in the RUQ, with a negative Murphy sign, and no hepatosplenomegaly was …

Orthopedic Surgery Residency Trends 2019-2023: Insights And Dynamics, Zayd M. Ayas, Hassan Abou Adma, Juan C. Lopez Alvarenga, Michael Sander

Research Colloquium

Background: Historically, the Step 1 exam served as a major factor in the residency selection process. We aim to analyze how the shift of Step 1 to pass/fail impacts residency applications in terms of number of applicants and application criteria, such as research experiences, step 2 CK scores, etc.

We also aim to analyze how the shift in criteria will impact the quality of orthopedic surgery residents. Using the Orthopedic in Training Examination (OITE) which provides valuable insights into the performance and preparedness of orthopedic surgery residents.

Methods: We began by analyzing the data from the AAMC Report on Residents …

Diagnosis And Management Of Acute Ischemic Stroke In Young Adult Homozygous For Mthfr C667t Variant With Moderate Hyperhomocysteinemia: A Case Study, Alejandro Aquino, Russell Wiggins, Jihoo Woo, Chelsea Chang

Research Colloquium

Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is a modifiable risk factor controversially associated with cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and thromboembolic events. Despite mixed evidence regarding its causal role in the pathogenesis of vaso-occlusive events, understanding its impact remains crucial. This case report aims to contribute to the ongoing discussion and support the association between homocysteinemia and cerebrovascular events, particularly in young adults. The novelty of this case lies in the patient's demographic, the presence of homozygosity for the MTHFR C677T allele variant, and the subsequent acute ischemic stroke, providing valuable insights into the clinical management and potential genetic implications of HHcy.

Case Presentation: A …

Metastatic Spindle Cell Carcinoma In A Hispanic Male In South Texas: A Rare Case, Kashif Ali, Elimar Gonzalez Morales, Sriharsha Koneru, Roque Mifuji Lira, Cesar Gutierrez, Oyinlola O. Fasehun

Research Colloquium

Spindle cell carcinoma is a rare metastatic pulmonary malignancy. There is limited information in the literature about the prognosis and current treatments. Here we report a case of elderly male who underwent lung biopsy which revealed spindle cell carcinoma and he was referred to radiation department for radiotherapy but could not survive due to widespread metastasis.

Revolutionizing Medical Education: Harnessing Ai To Cultivate Critical Thinking Skills, Alex Zuo, Anthony L. Alanis

Research Colloquium

Our study intends to integrate AI-enabled tools in medical education, including but not limited to adaptive learning systems, virtual patients, and AI-enhanced assessment methods, to develop and foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills with the engagement of medical students. It is expected that this provides for a good environment for both teachers and students through workshops, online resources, and collaborative academic projects. We also consider AI-generated images and open educational resources that could augment curricula and personalize the experience for learners. Medical educators use storytelling, including AI for data storytelling, to package complex clinical data in approachable yet revealing ways …

Cultural And Socioeconomic Determinants Of Hip And Knee Arthroplasty In The Rio Grande Valley Community, Blake Martin, John M. Gaddis, Jared Hensley, Juan Lopez Alvarenga, Kelsey Baker

Research Colloquium

Background: Joint arthroplasty is one of the most common procedures performed worldwide and the volume of these operations are on the rise. In this study we aimed to discover if there were differences in the demographics and social factors associated with individuals undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the Rio Grande Valley. We hypothesized that women would have increased risk of THA whereas individuals who are older and have higher BMI would have increased risk of TKA.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review using the UTRGV UTHealth electronic database from January 1, 2018 through …

Oxidative Stress In Leukemia: A Double-Edged Sword, Alex Zuo, Anthony Alanis

Research Colloquium

Upon exposure to oxidative stress, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells have higher levels of ROS compared to normal hematopoietic cells, which are thought to be due to NOX2 activity. Phenomena of altered ROS metabolism has been associated with therapy resistance and relapse in AML which opened avenues for ROS-targeted therapeutic strategies. When mitochondrial fusion is inhibited in AML cells, this suppresses ROS levels as well as caspase-dependent cell cycle arrest at the level of G0/G1 transition. In AML cells, apoptosis via the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway is ROS-mediated via the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor agonist LNS8801; therapy would presumably follow. …

Head And Neck Metastasis Of Colorectal Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report And Literature Review, Taha Al Hassan, Jessica Flores, Adam Bender-Heine, Rachel A. Giese

Research Colloquium

Introduction/Background: Colorectal Adenocarcinoma (CRC) metastasis is found in approximately 1 in 5 patients diagnosed with CRC and frequently spreads to the liver, lungs, peritoneum, bone, and nervous system. There are several subtypes of adenocarcinoma but the single most associated with distant metastasis, multiple sites of metastasis, and poorer survival is the signet-ring cell carcinoma variant. We present an unusual case of a head and neck mass demonstrating immunohistochemical staining specific for colorectal origin in a patient with a history of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the colon.

Case Presentation: A 53-year-old female was referred for a left cervical neck mass associated with …

The Role Of Social Determinants Of Health Involving Polysubstance Abuse And Acute Kidney Injury: A Case Report, Edwardo Abrego Ii, Andres Suarez Parraga, Juan Diego Torres

Research Colloquium

Background: Polysubstance abuse and addiction are multifactorial in etiology. It has been reported that there is a higher prevalence amongst low-income areas. Marijuana was used at a higher frequency amongst people with lower educational status and different minority groups. In the Rio Grande Valley, the poverty rates are higher, and high school graduation rates are lower when compared nationally. The following case is an example of how the prevalence of poor social determinants of health can allow for poor health outcomes, in this case, an acute kidney injury.

Case Presentation: A 26-year-old man with no significant medical history arrived at …

Diagnostic Approaches For Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Case Report Of Unusual Presentation, Edwardo Abrego Ii, Laura Garcia, Juan Ascanio, Osiris Fernandez

Research Colloquium

Background: Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare demyelinating disorder of the peripheral nervous system that affects roughly 3,000-6,000 Americans each year. It is usually preceded by a recent gastrointestinal or respiratory illness, commonly associated with microbes such as Campylobacter jejuni, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and the Influenza virus to name a few. Typically, paralysis starts in an ascending pattern from lower to upper extremities and lungs. However, there can be atypical presentations. Here, we present diagnostic markers that can be used in the absence of a typical presentation.

Case Presentation: We present the case of a 54-year-old male with no previous …

Polyp Puzzle, Get To Know Your Family. An Unfortunate Late Diagnosis Of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: A Case Report., Jorge A. Aboytes, Aura Calderon

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) is a rare genetic condition affecting the APC gene characterized by the development of hundreds to thousands of colorectal polyps increasing the risk of cancer. Diagnosis usually occurs between ages 20 and 40. We present the unfortunate case of a patient with FAP that developed colon cancer and many years of complications. Had her family history been properly obtained at a younger age with early screening and testing, outcome and prognosis could have been different.

Case Report: A 34-year-old woman diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016 had total proctocolectomy with chemoradiation. From 2018 to 2024 …

Surviving The Shock: Critical Management Of Klebsiella Pneumoniae Septic Shock In A Pregnant Patient, Oliverio J. Abarca Guzman, Michelle Minero

Research Colloquium

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia is a known cause of septic shock, but its occurrence in the context of chorioamnionitis during pregnancy, especially with imminent abortion of one twin, is rare. This case report highlights the critical care management and outcomes of a 24-year-old woman who developed septic shock due to Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia.

Case Presentation: A 24-year-old gravida 4, para 2 woman at 17 weeks gestation with a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy presented in septic shock after delivering a nonviable twin A at home. Suspected sepsis secondary to chorioamnionitis with retained placenta was confirmed by laboratory results showing Klebsiella pneumoniae …

Molecular Studies In Understanding Novel Curcumin-Glucoside Role In The Prevention Of Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation In Relevance To Parkinson's Disease, Natasha N. Quailes, Nina Mourao, Megan W. Szobody, Sridhar Srinivasan, Sriya Gullapalli, Elias Arellano Villanueva, Tyler Torres, Kory Deshawn Punch, Anesu Karen Murambadoro, Blake Martin, Kelsey Baker, Nikhilesh Anand, Hansapani Rodrigo, Bharathi Shrikanth Gadad

Research Colloquium

Background: The synuclein deposition in the brain of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the hallmark pathology of the neurodegenerative pathway. The transformation of alpha-synuclein into synuclein monomer, toxic oligomer, and insoluble fibrils are key steps in cell dysfunction. We synthesized a novel molecule, Curcumin-glucoside (Curc-gluc), which has good water solubility and a favorable partition coefficient.

Methods: The present study focuses on α-syn aggregation kinetics in the presence and absence of Curc-gluc and Curcumin; we also tested the effect of Copper (Cu) and Iron (Fe) Fe binding through a mathematical approach, biophysical techniques, and docking models. In the mathematical approach, we applied …

Birth Defect Trends Within Texas Public Health Region 11, 2000-2019: An Analysis Of Texas Department Of State Health Services Public Data, Jonathan M. Hebert, Miguel A. Lopez, Padmanabhan Rengasamy

Research Colloquium

Background: South Texas is a medically underserved area with pockets of low socioeconomic status and poor access to healthcare, including prenatal care. This paper aims to monitor the changes in prevalence for cardiac, circulatory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and neural tube birth defects in this region in the last two decades to monitor the effectiveness of current public health efforts.

Methods: Public data on 20 birth defects from the Texas Department of State Health Services were obtained for decades 2000-2010 and 2010-2019 in Texas Public Health Region 11 and the remaining regions of Texas. Prevalences and odds ratios for all birth defects …

Atypical Clinical Presentation Of Murine Typhus Infection In Relative Immunosuppressed Patient In South Texas, Johanna Mora, Kirhyn Stein, Hernan Guanajuato, Sobia Memon, Laura Garcia, Jose Campo Maldonado

Research Colloquium

Background: Murine typhus, caused by Rickettsia typhi, is a zoonotic infection transmitted to humans via fleas. It typically begins with nonspecific symptoms such as fever, headache, and nausea. Most cases resolve without complications after a 7–14-day incubation period. The primary reservoirs are rats, opossums, cats, and dogs. This case highlights an atypical presentation of murine typhus in an immunosuppressed patient in South Texas.

Case Presentation: 34-year-old female with ankylosing spondylitis treated recently with secukinumab presented to her Primary Care Physician (PCP) due to fevers. PCP ordered laboratory workup which was unrevealing. Four days later, the patient went to the …

Assessing The Impact Of An Educational Healthcare Competition In Enhancing Student Knowledge Of Public Health, Alyssa L. Sepulveda, Ronald A. Shaju, Nura Salhadar, Brianna Guillen, Alexa Zarate

Research Colloquium

Background: Educational disparities have a huge impact on unequal healthcare outcomes. Students from underserved areas often lack awareness of healthcare disparities impacting their communities. This study aimed to develop and assess the effectiveness of a program conducted by medical students to enhance high school students’ understanding of these disparities in their home, the Rio Grande Valley.

Methods: The Education Collaboration for Aspiring Health Professionals (ECAHP) competition is a one-day annual program. It is designed and implemented by UTRGV medical students in collaboration with the School of Medicine’s Area Health Education Center Program (AHEC). The program targets high school students …

Assessing The Impact Of A Comprehensive Care Model On Reducing A1c Levels Compared To Primary Care Alone: A Comprehensive Study, Hector Trejo, Lizette Ingle, Karla Soberanis

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Diabetes significantly challenges the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), especially in low-income rural areas where prevalence and mortality rates are higher than in urban regions. Limited access to routine healthcare and specialists exacerbates these issues, delaying medical attention and reducing diagnostic testing and management adherence. Early diagnosis and lifestyle modification interventions show promise, but objective evaluation of these models by local organizations in the RGV. Further analysis is needed to assess their effectiveness in reducing diabetes prevalence and improving health outcomes in the RGV.

Methods: This retrospective study aims to evaluate the Comprehensive Care Model (CCM) on Improved Health Outcomes …

Assessing Preparedness, Attitudes, And Knowledge Of Knapp-Utrgv Family Medicine Residents On Geriatric Nursing Home Care: Phase 1 - Creation Of Interactive Modules, Maria M. Ferreira Caceres, Miguel A. Alvarez Silva, Juan C. Lopez-Alvarenga

Research Colloquium

Background: Training in geriatrics and nursing home care are a critical element of medical education. This gap in knowledge becomes increasingly significant given the changing demographics and the need to provide adequate care for an aging population. Improving geriatrics curriculum and implementing nursing home rotations are essential to ensure optimal care for the elderly, thereby fulfilling both educational and healthcare imperatives.

Objective: We aim to analyze and assess the influence of geriatrics training through a survey to collect attitudes, skills, and knowledge of UTRGV Knapp Family Medicine residents. Additionally, the goal is to create interactive modules to boost their skills …

Assessing Awareness, Knowledge, And Beliefs Regarding Opiates And Benzodiazepines And Deprescribing Protocols By Residents At Utrgv Knapp Family Medicine Residency Program., Ivana Y. Mangione Leon, Adrian Sandoval, Juan Lopez-Alvarenga, Gerardo Munoz-Monaco

Research Colloquium

Background: Controlled substances encompass drugs and specific chemicals subject to strict regulation due to their potential for abuse or risk. Opioid overdose remains a significant public health issue in the United States. Prescription opioids contribute to 18% of these deaths, while benzodiazepines are implicated in 31% to 61%. Clinicians encounter challenges in avoiding co-prescription, especially in patients with chronic pain and anxiety or sleep disorders. Despite growing interest in teaching mindful opioid prescribing, there is a lack of interventions to educate primary care clinicians and medical trainees on providing opioid overdose education and prevention. This quality improvement project aims to …

Antibodies Gone Rogue: Autoimmunity Pairs With Antibiotic Allergy, Shubhank Goyal, Jose Jonathan Loayza Pintado, Cesar Uribe

Research Colloquium

Background: Autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG) is a rare and complex disorder marked by severe dysautonomia, profoundly affecting a patient's quality of life. Treatment typically involves immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusions, which play a critical role in managing symptoms and improving patient outcomes. Managing AAG alongside acute infections such as cystitis, especially in patients with complicated drug allergies and sensitivities, presents unique clinical challenges. This case is noteworthy due to the patient’s rare combination of autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy, chronic orthostatic hypotension, and a history of severe allergic reactions to antibiotics, complicating both infection management and treatment planning. The use of immunoglobulins in the …

Acculturation Stress And The Rise In Alcohol Use Among Latina Women In The U.S., Carolina M. Vela, Noe Garza, Ihsan Salloum

Research Colloquium

Background: Epidemiological surveys and world status reports consistently indicate the gap between alcohol consumption in men and women in the United States has been closing steadily over the past 25 years. Particularly, more women now than ever are engaging in alcohol-related risk behavior such as binge drinking, catching up to those of their male counterparts. Data from national surveys conducted between 2000 and 2016 suggests that the number of people above 18 who drink each year increased for women but decreased for men. This trend is consistent amongst Latina women. College-aged, American Latinas in are drinking more frequently and more …

A Vascular Puzzle: Identifying High-Output Heart Failure In A Patient With End-Stage Renal Disease And A Fresh Arteriovenous Fistula, Carlos Luis Alejos Aguero, Khiem Ng, Jennifer Rojas Huen, Liza Salloum, James Stone

Research Colloquium

Introduction: We present a case highlighting high-output heart failure secondary to an acquired arteriovenous fistula for dialysis. High-output cardiac failure is a less common form of heart failure characterized by the heart pumping an increased volume of blood but failing to meet the body's metabolic demands.

Case presentation: A 74-year-old female with a history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 Diabetes, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis via a left arteriovenous fistula. She presented with worsening dyspnea over 2-3 months, initially relieved post-dialysis but progressing to dyspnea at rest, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea despite dialysis compliance. Physical exam revealed …

A Presentation Of Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Associated Disease (Mogad) As Optic Neuritis, Kirhyn A. Stein, Laura Garcia, Sobia Memon, Hernan Guanajuato, Johanna Mora

Research Colloquium

Background: Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Associated Disease (MOGAD) is a relatively new and rare autoimmune disease that causes demyelination of the central nervous system. The pathogenicity of this disease is characterized by an immune reaction against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein: a component of the myelin sheath that is also expressed on the surface of oligodendrocytes. The purpose of this glycoprotein is thought to be for construction and maintenance of myelin and cell to cell communication. The destruction of oligodendrocytes and myelin in the central nervous system affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, and can cause symptoms such as acute …

A Novel Technique Utilizing External Fixation For Intramedullary Total Femur Arthroplasty, Blake Martin, Matthew Hnatow, Emma Herrera

Research Colloquium

Background: Total femur replacement (TFR) exists as a salvage procedure option after multiple failed hip and knee arthroplasties. It can restore a patient’s quality of life and function but is associated with a high complication rate. Historically, the procedure has been performed utilizing en bloc resection of the femur. More recently, intramedullary TFR has been utilized as a method of preserving critical soft tissue attachments. More studies are needed describing intramedullary TFR as to enhance the technique and outcomes for future procedures. We describe a case of intramedullary TFR utilizing external fixation as a means of maintaining critical aspects of …

A Case Of Rheumatoid Arthritis On Newly Initiated Tnf- Inhibitor Developing Gpa Vasculitis- Conundrum About An Overlap Or Drug-Induced Vasculitis, Jessica Marcela Daza, Joud Enabi, Cristine Arcilla, Myint Thway, Gurjit Kaeley

Research Colloquium

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a necrotizing vasculitides subset of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAVs) that involves small-sized arteries affecting multisystemic organs. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory polyarthritis involving the small joints. GPA and RA can have overlapping clinical presentations, including vasculitis, ocular inflammation, interstitial lung disease, and arthritis, but existing evidence indicates they are distinct conditions. Vasculitis-induced biologic TNF inhibitors have been reported (1-3), particularly cutaneous vasculitis and lupus-like syndromes. We retrospectively review a case of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis with a newly diagnosed GPA with RA on anti-TNF therapy. The coexistence of RA …

A Case Of Esophageal Plasmablastic Lymphoma With Literature Review, Zayd M. Ayas, Mohamad Ayas, Bola Nashed, Haidy Elazzamy, Mohammed Barawi

Research Colloquium

Background: Plasmablastic lymphoma (PbL) has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) classification as a distinct subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), which are characterized with a strong expression of plasma cell markers instead of conventional B-cell markers. Although strongly associated with HIV-positive patients, it has also been commonly described in patients with solid organ transplants as well as immunocompetent patients. Plasmablastic lymphoma has shown to have an increase affinity for the oral cavity, followed by digestive tract. Furthermore, tumor involvement of the digestive tract accounts for around 20% of plasmablastic lymphomas. Although mainly found in the oral …

Vysion Software, Isaias Hernandez-Dominguez Jr, Chander Luderman Miller

2024 Symposium

Vision loss presents significant challenges in daily life. Existing solutions for blind and visually impaired individuals are often limited in functionality, expensive, or complex to use. Vysion Software addresses this gap by developing a user-friendly, all-in-one AI companion app that provides features including text summarization, real-time audio descriptions, and AI-enhanced navigation. This project details the development plan, initial functionalities, and future vision for Vysion Software.

Method Development, Validation And Forced Degradation Studies Of Dapagliflozin And Pioglitazone Hydrochlorides In Synthetic Mixtures By Rp-Hplc, Tarang Patel, Harpalsinh Rathod

Discovery Day

A simple, sensitive, robust, precise, and efficient RP-HPLC approach for the simultaneous determination of Dapagliflozin and Pioglitazone Hydrochloride in Synthetic Mixture. As per ICH Q2 (R1) guidelines, the final chromatographic conditions were Optimized with a mobile phase ratio of (25:75% v/v) in ACN: Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate Buffer (pH 4) was adjusted by adding OPA at a flow rate of 1 mL/min, column temperature of 30 °C, injection volume of 20 μL, Kromstar Vertex C18 analytical column, and UV detection at 228 nm wavelength. Dapagliflozin and Pioglitazone Hydrochloride reported retention times of 3 min and 6.5 min, respectively. Validation of a …