Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Understanding The Resources, Barriers, Facilitators And Interests About Aging And Dementia Research Of Community Members From The Rio Grande Valley, Karla Daniela Lopez Lorenzo, Rosa V. Pirela Mavarez, Gabriela Osuna, Kendra Stine, Nathalie Chacon, Noe Garza, Gladys E. Maestre

Research Symposium

Background: One of ten people aged 65 develops Alzheimer’s Disease and it is one of the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is mostly constituted by Hispanic/Latinos (93%), a population that has a 1.5X increased risk of AD onset. Nevertheless, there are not enough resources to support people living with dementia and their care partners. This study will leverage research efforts deployed by the RGV Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center for Minority Aging Research to understand the social representations about the resources, barriers, facilitators, and interests of the RGV community about dementia and Alzheimer’s …

Diaphragmatic Rupture Due To Closed Thoracobdominal Trauma: A Case Report, Juan Rosales Martínez, Manlio F. Lara Duck, Antonio Gutiérrez Sierra, Netzahualcoyotl Mayek Pérez

Research Symposium

Background. Diaphragmatic injuries (DI) represent less than 1% of traumatic injuries; they are a marker of severe trauma due to associated injuries, although they often go undiagnosed as they remain hidden. If undetected, delayed herniation and strangulation of the abdominal organs into the chest cavity will result as the defect in the diaphragm is not repaired. DI occurs from penetrating or blunt trauma. The former occurs in approximately 67% of cases; direct injury to the diaphragm caused by automobile accidents has been reported. The remaining third is due to falls and crush injuries. Blunt trauma causes larger tears, even bilateral. …

Improving Colon Cancer Screening/Referrals Based On Current Guidelines In An Underserved Area Outpatient Clinic., Roque Mifuji, Juan Pablo Trejo, Alfarooq Alshaikhli, Alcibiades Fleires, Joseph Caporusso, Serag Fares

Research Symposium

Background: In 2021 in the US there was an estimated 1.8 million new cases of cancer and 600,000 cancer death, that means 5200 new cases per day and 1670 deaths. CRC is the 4^th most common cancer diagnosed among adults and the 2^ndleading cause of death from cancer. The ACS recommends that adults aged 45 years and older with an average risk of CRC undergo regular screening with either a high-sensitivity stool- based test or a structural (visual) examination, depending on patient preference and test availability. Screening with any one of multiple options is associated with a …

Determination Of Hfe C282y Mutation And Its Association With The Iron Status And Viral Load In Hiv Patients From Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Juan Carlos Hernández, Marisol Rosas Díaz, Esperanza Milagros García Oropesa, Santos Graciela Montemayor Beltrán, Juana Díaz García, Imelda Ramírez Puente

Research Symposium

Background: The HFE protein has a fundamental role in iron homeostasis, the HFE C282Y mutation prevents the specific function of the protein, causing greater intestinal absorption of iron and intracellular accumulation. The HIV virus causes a disease that attacks the cells of the immune system, mainly CD 4 T lymphocytes inducing their destruction and immunosuppression of the patient. Some viruses have the ability to disrupt cellular metabolic processes during their own replication, such is the case of HIV-1, which is involved in alteration of iron metabolism resulting in an overload of iron.

Methods: An exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional and prolective study …

Neutralizing Anti-Rbd Fraction For Sars-Cov-2 Is Associated With The Interaction Waist Circumference And Sex. An Esfuerso Preliminary Report On University Students, Juan C. Lopez-Alvarenga, Esperanza M. Garcia-Oropeza, Adriana L. Perales-Torres, Alvaro Diaz-Badillo, Lucia M. Perez-Navarro, Estrella Martinez-Lopez, Marisol Rosas-Diaz, Octelina Castillo-Ruiz, Laura Yanneth Ramirez-Quintanilla, Jacquelynne Cervantes, Edda Sciutto, Beatriz Tapia, Leonel Vela, Claudia Munguia-Cisneros, Carlos Ramirez-Pfeiffer

Research Symposium

In a previous study we reported that 25% of college students had a family history of type 2 diabetes (T2D), and 39% of hypertension. Interestingly, between 17 to 47% reported not knowing about T2D or hypertension, neither the existing obesity-metabolic problems (ESFUERSO study). The COVID-19 pandemic forced confinement and modifications in food intake, physical activity, and psychological stress. This study aimed to analyze if the immune Ig-G anti-RBD (protective epitope in S protein) response associated with type of vaccination, metabolic risk, perceived stress, and history of COVID-19 contacts.

We included 116 students at the 3th year of follow up in …

Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia In A Patient With Long Standing Behcet’S Syndrome, Juan C. Naranjo, Shadi J. Estefahani, Christine E. Loftis, Emilia Dulgheru

Research Symposium

Background: Behcet’s syndrome (BS) is a multisystemic disease that frequently manifests as oral and genital ulcers. Pulmonary involvement occurs in approximately 18% of patients and can have complex clinical manifestations, including vascular disease, hemorrhage, infarctions, and organizing pneumonia. Broad-spectrum radiological findings like loss of lung volume, lung opacities, and indistinct nodular or reticular lesions have been described. There is little data on the association between Behcet’s disease and eosinophilic pneumonitis; the latest is usually characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the lung parenchyma caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to an inhaled antigen. Patients usually present with nonproductive cough, dyspnea, fever, and …

Comparing Stroke Symptom Recognition And Intervention Times In The Rio Grande Valley, Joshua M. Ninan, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

This is a retrospective study that aims to evaluate the duration from onset of stroke-like symptoms to presentation to medical facilities for aid in the Rio Grande Valley. The main goal of the study is to understand the extent of pre-hospital delays with regards to the treatment of stroke in the RGV.

Hepatopulmonary Syndrome In A 22 Year Old Gentleman With Liver Cirrhosis, Blesset Alexander, Joseph Caporusso, Priyasha Suri

Research Symposium

Background: Hepatopulmonary syndrome is a severe complication of end-stage liver disease characterized by triad of liver disease, intrapulmonary vascular dilatation, and arterial hypoxemia. Although the pathogenesis is not completely understood, pulmonary vascular dilatation occurs due to imbalance between vasodilators and vasoconstrictors. Liver injury is thought to increase endothelin production and cause bacterial translocation, causing increased nitric oxide production, causing vasodilation of pulmonary vasculature. History and physical examination are important in leading the physician to the correct diagnosis as the majority of these patients present with non-specific clinical manifestations and imaging. Identification of specific physical exam findings is important in not …

That Which Keeps On Giving - A Case Of Class Iv Diffuse Proliferative Lupus Nephritis In A Hispanic Woman With Underlying Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Josenny L. Rodriguez-Paez, Christine E. Loftis, Rosa White-Guedez

Research Symposium

Background: Glomerulonephritis is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Lupus nephritis is characterized by immune complex deposition in the mesangium leading to complement activation and hypocomplementemia. Studies show that up to 60% of adults with lupus develop renal involvement and it has been well established that Hispanic patients show poorer outcomes than Caucasians despite advances in treatment. Preserved kidney function with new-onset proteinuria should raise clinical suspicion for acute lupus nephritis. Further evaluation with a kidney biopsy is paramount in establishing a diagnosis, helping to define treatment strategy, and determining response to treatment.

Case …

Culture-Negative Endocarditis Complicated With Mycotic Aneurysm And Intracranial Bleed - A Case Report, Jose A. Rivera, Daniel Aragon, Michael Menwosky, Juan Padilla

Research Symposium

Background: Blood culture-negative infective endocarditis (IE) requires at least three independent blood samples with negative cultures after seven days of incubation. Ischemic events are the most frequent neurologic complication of IE with intracranial mycotic aneurysms being the consequence of displacement of septic emboli from valvular vegetations. In this case report, we describe a young gentleman who initially presented with neurologic deficit and was later found to have mycotic aneurysms and culture negative infective endocarditis.

Case Presentation: A 34-year-old man with a past medical history of Tourette Syndrome presented to the Emergency department (ED) due to acute change in mental status. …

Patent Foramen Ovale, Deep Venous Thrombosis And Stroke; A Paradoxical Embolism In An 80-Year-Old Male, Jose A. Rivera, Elio Garcia Sosa, Josenny Rodriguez Paez, Francisco Gonzalez, Daniela Hernandez

Research Symposium

Background: A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a congenital cardiac malformation describing a shunt in between the atrial walls. The overall incidence of a PFO is around 27.3% with a progressive decrease to 25.4% in the 4th and 8th decades. Once it has been established that a patient with an ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) has a PFO and other sources of the stroke have been ruled out, it is imperative to consider deep vein thrombosis (DVT) as the source of a paradoxical embolus.

Case Presentation: 80-year-old gentleman with a history of right internal carotid occlusion of 80-90% status post …

Antigen Staining For Detection Of Muc13 And Mcu16 In Carcinoma Tissue, Jose A. Benitez

Research Symposium

MUC13 and MUC16 are mucosal epithelial expressed proteins associated with various carcinomas. Overexpression of these biomarkers appear to play a role in tumor growth; this discovery has paved a road for multiple studies discussing the potential of targeting mucin proteins and optimize immunotherapy approaches against carcinomas. Our study serves to investigate the level of expression of MUC13 and MUC16 in cancerous and normal tissue and to discuss the implications our findings may have for the utilization of these biomarkers for cancer therapy.

Utrgv Student Run Clinic: The Past, The Present, And The Future, Jessica Flores, Elizabeth Althaus, Uchechi Ehiemua, Elio Garcia Sosa, Lucinda Hinojosa, Andrew Kolodziej, Dikachi Osaji, Asma Syed, Chelsea Chang

Research Symposium

Purpose: The UTRGV SOM Student Run Clinic (SRC) is a student- led organization that provides free primary care and promotes health equity in the Rio Grande Valley. Through the SRC, barriers of access to healthcare and health promotion are targeted, especially by emphasizing health literacy and patient advocacy. The SRC benefits not only our patients but medical students who work in the clinic, learning about the unique needs and culture of the underserved community while gaining clinical experience.

Description: The SRC brings teams of volunteer medical students and physicians to Peñitas, TX to provide free primary healthcare to vulnerable populations, …

Improvement Of Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Of Diabetic Patients Seen At The Internal Medicine Clinic​​, Jorge Nadal, Carol Soler, Mery Bartl, Jose Gomez, Michelle Lopez, Blesset Alexander, Gabriel Lora, Azucena Del Real, Maria Pesantez, Sergio Saenz, Jorge A. Bernal

Research Symposium

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision loss globally. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimated the global population with diabetes to be 463 million in 2019 and 700 million in 2045. Retinopathy is a highly specific neurovascular complication of both type 1 and types 2 diabetes, and the prevalence strongly correlates to both the duration of diabetes and the level of glycemic control. Regular follow-up with early detection and treatment of vision-threatening retinopathy enables the prevention of up to 98% of visual loss due to diabetic retinopathy.

Covid-19'S Impact On Medical Students' Wellbeing And Residency Choices, Jessy Feng, Sabrina Orta, Lori Berry

Research Symposium

Background: COVID-19 has impacted medical education in many ways including altering in-person rotations, limiting research opportunities, and introducing additional financial strain for medical students. With these unprecedented changes, we were interested in examining the impact of COVID-19 on medical students’ well-being and choices surrounding their upcoming resident medical education.

Methods: An online questionnaire was written and distributed via Qualtrics to 4th year medical students across Texas from May to December 2020. The inclusion criteria were MD or DO U.S. medical students planning to apply to residency in the 2020-2021 cycle.

Results: A majority of participants (78.05%) identified as a minority …

A Neurodevelopmental Perspective To Improve Innovation In Preventive Treatment Of Substance Use Disorders, Ismael Perez, John Vandeberg, Mario Gil

Research Symposium

Background: Midbrain dopaminergic neurons have been associated with substance use disorders (Blaess & Ang, 2015). Understanding their neurodevelopment during early stages of life is fundamental for innovating preventive care treatments. The animal model Monodelphis domestica has been proposed as an excellent candidate to study neurodevelopmental changes due to the ease of access to see changes in their embryonic development (Mate et al., 1994). The purpose of our study is to inform how brain cells, including and especially dopaminergic neurons, mature by quantifying their number during early development. Additionally, the study aims to compare different midbrain areas and track neurodevelopmental changes …

Quality Of Nutritional Care During Pregnancy: Folic Acid And Vitamin D Supplementation, Isabel Omaña-Guzmán, Monica Ancira-Moreno, Cecilia Pérez-Navarro, Sonia Hernández-Cordero, Soraya Burrola Méndez, Eric Monterrubio-Flores, Arturo Bautista Morales, Omar Acosta Ruiz, Constanza Bernat, Belén Sánchez,, Ariana Cajero

Research Symposium

Backgrounds: Folic acid (FA) and vitamin D supplementation is recommended during pregnancy. Quality nutritional care during pregnancy should include the supplementation of these vitamins. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the quality of nutritional care regarding supplementation during pregnancy in primary health care units in six states of Mexico (Estado de México, Oaxaca, Yucatán, Chihuahua, Veracruz and Chiapas).

Methods: A mixed study was conducted. An indicator (formed by two sub-indicators) to assess the quality of nutritional care focused on FA and vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy was developed and validated. To assess the quality of care, a …

Balancing Autonomy And Safety In The Care Of A Senior Patient: To Place Or Not To Place?, Jessica Flores, Kelsey Endari, Daniel Aragon, Chelsea Chang

Research Symposium

According to the Census Bureau, the United States will have more than 20% of its population above age 65 by 2030, bringing ethical dilemmas in balancing risk and autonomy in geriatric patients to the forefront. Many geriatric persons rely on social support to fulfill their safety and autonomy needs, but those who lack a network are faced with increased challenges.

An 80-year-old male with a history of multiple comorbidities presents to the UTRGV-DHR internal medicine outpatient clinic. His medical history includes coronary artery disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, basal cell carcinoma of the nose, gout, tobacco abuse …

Beta-3 Adrenergic Receptor Blockade Prevents Alterations In Feeding Behavior In Lymphoma-Bearing Mice In A Sex-Dependent Manner, Isaias Gutierrez-Leal, Diana Caballero-Hernández, Alonso Orozco-Flores, Moises Franco-Molina, Ricardo Gomez-Flores, Patricia Tamez-Guerra, Cristina Rodríguez-Padilla

Research Symposium

Introduction: Cancer cachexia is a metabolic syndrome defined by an ongoing loss of adipose and muscular tissue and is characterized by a reduced food intake. Local b-3 adrenergic receptor activation in adipose tissue induces lipolysis, whereas b-3 signaling in tumors has been shown to be tumorigenic in some cancer models. Therefore, b-3 signaling may be a therapeutic target in cancer cachexia. The aim of this study was to assess the role of b-3 adrenergic signaling in feeding behavior, body composition, and tumor progression in the L5178Y-R murine lymphoma model.

Methods: In our study we used BALB/c mice of both sexes, …

Adapting A Medication Reconciliation Process To The Family Medicine Outpatient Setting, Iliana M. Chapa, James Fahey, Adrian Sandoval

Research Symposium

The Institute of Healthcare Improvement states that “medication reconciliation is the process of creating the most accurate list possible of all medications a patient is taking” so that physicians may know what medications the patient is taking, at what dose, and to identify any discrepancies between prescriptions during the patient encounter. However, the medication reconciliation rates of the DHR Family Medicine Center are not optimal as many med reconciliations remain uncompleted. An adapted protocol from a previous quality improvement project done at DHR Women’s Clinic in 2020 was implemented to seek to improve medication reconciliation rates.

This Quality Improvement Project …

A Case Report Of A Primary Cerebral Abscess Due To Nocardia Asteroides In An Immunocompetent Patient, Ileana Elita Mendez, Nicole Marie Barreto, Alan Lanurias, Luis Alberto Rosas

Research Symposium

Background: Brain abscesses caused by Nocardia are rarely reported and have high mortality. It usually affects patients who are immunocompromised and initiates as a lung infection that disseminates hematogenously, though it can also affect those immunocompetent. Cerebral nocardiosis imitates brain tumors, which can delay the initiation of the appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Case Description: We present a case of a 64-year-old immunocompetent male with multiple cerebral abscesses who presented with headaches, left-sided weakness, and ataxia. Upon imaging, multiple brain lesions were revealed. The patient underwent craniotomy and drainage of the mass. He was initially empirically treated, though cultures later grew Nocardia …

Spectral Doppler Ultrasonography Of Hepatic Vein In A Patient With Atrial Fibrillation And Rapid Ventricular Rate, Hector Arredondo, Oscar J. Lopez

Research Symposium

Background: Point of Care ultrasound (POCUS) is a tool that enables the clinicians to objectively assess hemodynamics at the bedside. Recently, a novel concept of venous excess Doppler ultrasound (VExUS) grading system has been proposed to assess venous congestion at the organ level in real time. This concept evaluates the presence of severe flow abnormalities in 2 or more veins (of the hepatic, portal, and kidney parenchymal veins) with a dilated IVC (≥2 cm). There are reports in literature that tachyarrhythmias alter the flow pattern in the hepatic veins.

Case presentation: We present a case of a 88-year-old gentleman with …

Prevalence Of Metabolic Syndrome In Hiv Patients Under Antiretroviral Treatment In Capasits From Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Gala Alondra Mireles Contreras, Anabel Alonso Bocanegra, Juan Carlos Martinez Hernandez, Jose Francisco Flores Gomez, Esperanza Milagros Garcia Oropesa

Research Symposium

Introduction: Highly effective antiretroviral therapy has been demonstrated a decrease in morbidity, mortality, life expectancy and quality of life of HIV-infected patients. However, HIV-infected persons, over time of receiving antiretroviral treatment, may develop different metabolic disorders, such as adipose tissue, lipid metabolism and the development of arterial hypertension, increase in BMI, decrease in HDL cholesterol and insulin resistance which can with lead to the development of metabolic syndrome. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out, the sample consisted of 122 HIV patients on ART. All patients signed an informed consent form. Sociodemographic data and clinical history were collected. Subsequently, …

Representation Of Racial And Ethnic Minorities And Their Preferences For Mood Stabilizing Treatment Selection For Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review, Francisco J. Barrera, Manuel Gardea, Juan Garzon, Ryan Toledo, Ana Paula Bonner, Andrea Maraboto, Mark Frye, Ihsan Salloum

Research Symposium

Background: The use of second-generation antipsychotics for bipolar disorder (BD) has increased in the past years¹Concerns on potential serious medical side effects and need for blood level monitoring of some traditional mood stabilizers along with other factors have influenced this change. Shared decision-making (SDM) strategies have been implemented in clinical settings due to their ability to engage patients in the process of treatment selection.² Within minority groups with mental illnesses, socioeconomic factors, individual concerns, and cultural variations in clinical presentations, are often overlooked or misrepresented when assessing the patient’s treatment preferences. Although several studies evaluating the …

Characterization Of The Female Reproductive Cycle In The Syrian Hamster (Mesocricetus Auratus), Fernando Dominguez, Esperanza Alaniz, Alexandra Chalons, Mario Gil

Research Symposium

Gender and biological sex are important variables in biomedical research, and a female’s reproductive status is an important factor that plays a role in and impacts health outcomes. Understanding how the female reproductive cycle affects behavior may help in the development of treatments that can be implemented in a clinical setting. Following Dr. Orsini's protocol, published in 1961, to identify and document the different stages of the female hamsters’ 4-day estrous cycle, we characterized the female hamsters’ estrus cycle by inspecting vaginal discharge phenomena. Orsini (1961) named day 1 discharge of the cycle as translucent (TS), day 2 as postestrus …

Primary Care Behavioral Health Partnerships Advancing & Transforming Health Sciences (Pcbh Paths), Kristan Diaz-Rios, Deepu George, Maria Hernandez, Evan Garcia, Myrna Ruiz, Salvador Arellano Iii

Research Symposium

Purpose: Primary Care Behavioral Health Partnerships Advancing & Transforming Health Sciences (PCBH PATHS) is a workforce development pipeline project aimed at permanently augmenting UTRGV’s institutional capacity to address shortage of an Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) competent workforce locally, regionally and nationally. Our initiative, aligned with UTRGV strategic priorities and key initiatives, will integrate basic(model specific strategy and operational elements), mid-level (role identity and profession specific behavioral competencies specific to each health profession), and advanced (behavioral medicine clinical skills) applications of the evidence based PCBH model of delivery. A PCBH focused delivery system (clinical and educational), in which primary care providers …

Influence Of Age, Race, And Ethnicity On Pre-Hospital Stroke Time Intervals In The Rio Grande Valley., Elio E. Garcia Sosa

Research Symposium

Currently, stroke represents one of the leading causes of death in the USA. Despite recent advances in acute stroke management such as thrombolytic administration and/or endovascular intervention, many patients remain ineligible for these treatments due to delay in treatment. There has been a great emphasis by healthcare professionals on improving “door to needle” time with very encouraging results. Unfortunately, there still exists a gap in these delays, and that is the onset to hospital presentation interval. This study aims at evaluating the time interval from the onset of the symptoms to when the patient presents to the healthcare facility. The …

Cell-Based Experimental Evidence To The Anti-Covid-19 Potential Of Ashwagandha And Honeybee Propolis Ingredients, Renu Wadhwa, Durai Sundar, Yoshiyuki Ishida, Keiji Terao, Sunil C. Kaul

Research Symposium

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic emerged in December 2019 by a novel strain of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) has led to new endeavours in repurposing of existing drugs, anti-COVID-19 vaccine and drug development. Natural products, due to their general safety and wider availability, have attracted research and public attention. In this study, we report anti-COVID potential of compounds from honeybee propolis and Ayurvedic herb, Ashwagandha. Effect of active ingredients was studied on human cell surface receptors (ACE-2:Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2/Spike protein and TMPRSS2:Transmembrane Protease Serine 2), critical for virus infection and virus main protease (Mpro, essential for virus replication), …

Pro- And Anti-Inflammatory Biomarkers As Predictors Of Response To Valproate In Patients With Comorbid Alcohol Use And Bipolar Disorder-Preliminary Findings, Ilya Blokhin, Lisa Harlow, Eleonore Beurel, Feng Miao, Dana Ascherman, Claes Wahlestedt, Ihsan Salloum

Research Symposium

Objective/Hypothesis: Bipolar disorder (BD) has the highest association with alcohol and other substance use disorders compared to other major psychiatric disorders. This patient population is particularly challenging to treat. We have previously shown that some patients with co-occurring alcohol use and bipolar disorders respond to the GABAergic agonist valproate (VPA), which is known to modulates the dopaminergic system, and also as an epigenetic modifier. Predictors of therapeutic response to VPA in patients with AUD/BD are not known, and the subgroup which would benefit from VPA is still to be identified. Recent evidence suggests that AUD promotes a pro-inflammatory state while …

Using Cartesian Coordinate Systems To Create, Classify, And Retrieve Biomedical Time-Series: Applications To 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring, Antonio Garcia, Gladys E. Maestre, John Blangero, Jesus D. Melgarejo, Julio Facelli

Research Symposium

Background: Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurement (ABPM) allows physicians to monitor blood pressure variability under everyday living conditions and predicts clinical outcomes better than conventional blood-pressure measurement. ABPM can demonstrate mean arterial pressure (MAP) behavior over 24 hours relevant to clinical practice, such as nocturnal hypertension or increased blood pressure variability. We hypothesized that individuals with the same cardiovascular health status would have the same MAP signal (MAPs) waveform.

Methods: This study reutilizes a data subset from the IDACO Consortium to create 24-hour MAPs. We assigned all the MAPs to data matrix X, performed principal components analysis (PCA) to X, and …