Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

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

Research Symposium

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

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

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

Research Symposium

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

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

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

Research Symposium

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

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

Research Symposium

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

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

A Review Of Factors That Contribute To Negative Mental Health Among Health Profession Students And Current Interventions, Faith T. Allison, Acsw, Lindsay Gietzen, Phd, Pa-C

Pacific Journal of Health

The purpose of this literature review is to review literature surrounding behavioral health impacts of education on students seeking bachelor’s degrees or higher in the health care sector. The studies range from individuals in undergraduate programs to individuals in graduate programs such as medical school. This review aimed to identify commonalities in the existing literature pertaining to the contributing factors that have been shown to have a detrimental impact on the mental, emotional and physical well-being of the students. Students that are forced to navigate a complex academic landscape filled with rigor and intense competition may have difficulties coping as …

The Relationship Of Physician Associate Student Satisfaction And Academic Performance, Jed Grant, Nancy Hamler

Pacific Journal of Health

Introduction: Patient and student satisfaction are increasingly important factors in healthcare and higher education, respectively. While satisfaction is important, it may not always correlate directly with outcomes, academic performance, or long-term professional accomplishments. Researchers aim to investigate the relationship between student satisfaction and measures of student success. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from 215 students over five PA student cohorts for correlations between student satisfaction and academic performance in core clinical medicine courses, program GPA, and PANCE scores. Statistical analysis was performed by data scientists to test for independence and significance. Results: The systems-based clinical medicine course had a …

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

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

No abstract provided.

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

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

No abstract provided.

Prevalence Study Of Feline Ab Blood Types In Bangkok And Vicinities Of Thailand By Rapid Immunochromatographic Test During 2022-2024, Suwarath Wadeerat, Sinittha Thongwandi, Thitima Tripipat, Teerawut Nedumpun

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The AB blood group system is a key classification for feline blood types, categorizing them as type A, B, or AB based on red blood cell surface antigens. This study aimed to update the prevalence of feline blood types among domestic and pedigreed cats in Bangkok and vicinities from 2022 to 2024. A total of 114 blood samples, including 76 Domestic Shorthairs (DSH) and 38 pedigreed cats, including 10 breeds, were analyzed using the rapid immunochromatographic feline blood typing. Results revealed that blood type A was predominant, present in 93.86% of cats, consistent with global findings. Blood types B and …

Assessing The Feasibility Of Microneedle Patches For Gnrh Immunocontraception In Mixed-Breed Dogs (Canis Familiaris), Ai-Mei Chang, Hsiao-Hui Huang, Ding-Liang Hou, Zi-Yu Lin, Mei-Chin Chen, Chen-Chih Chen, Jai-Wei Lee

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The overpopulation of free-roaming dogs poses significant risks to endemic species, public health, and the environment through predation and disease transmission. While surgical castration is effective, it raises ethical concerns regarding animal welfare. Immuno-castration offers a humane and effective alternative for population control, but a more easily administered and cost-efficient method is needed to enable widespread vaccination efforts. In this study, we aimed to employ self-dissolving microneedle patches for a simple and potentially cost-effective immunization of a recombinant GnRH-based vaccine to control fertility. Eight mongrel dogs were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=4 each) and immunized with the recombinant GnRH-based …

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

Research Symposium

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

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

Research Symposium

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

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

Research Symposium

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

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

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

Research Symposium

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

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

Research Symposium

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

Methods: A literature search was conducted using the …

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

Research Symposium

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

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

Challenges In Postoperative Compliance And Follow-Up In Trauma Patients: A Trans-Scaphoid Perilunate Dislocation Case Report, Paul Bonilla, Chloe Harris, Anesu K. Murambadoro, Sergio Rodriguez

Research Symposium

Background: A trans-scaphoid perilunate dislocation often results from a loaded hyperextension and intracarpal axial rotation. The uncommon nature of this injury stems from the high energy required to fracture the scaphoid and disrupt the overlapping ligaments simultaneously. Surgical intervention is required in these injuries to repair fractures and ligaments. The complex nature of wrist anatomy potentiates complications such as stiffness, pain, infections, and post traumatic arthritis. Successful recovery depends on rigorous compliance with post operative care that often includes immobilization, physical therapy, and follow up visits. Noncompliance is particularly concerning in trauma patients, as many of these patients are …

Atypical Presentation Of Pediatric Cat Scratch Disease: A Case Report, Paul Bonilla, Kassandra Pulido, Natasha Bell, Otto Velasquez

Research Symposium

Background: Skin lesions and/or regional lymphadenopathy are defining characteristics of Cat Scratch Disease (CSD), a zoonotic infection commonly caused by animals carrying Bartonella henselae. While CSD is often self-limiting, rare cases with a disseminated course and visceral organ involvement may complicate diagnosis, especially in pediatric patients. This case report describes an atypical presentation of B. henselae infection in an 11-year-old female with Type I diabetes (T1D).

Case Presentation: An 11-year-old girl with a history of T1D presented to her pediatrician with abdominal pain and fever. A rapid test confirmed Streptococcal Pharyngitis and she was prescribed amoxicillin and sent home. …

Assessing Patient Satisfaction: The Role Of Net Promoter Scores In Healthcare, Paul Bonilla, Victoria Elizondo, Juan Pablo Flanagan

Research Symposium

Background: The Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a widely used tool for measuring customer satisfaction and loyalty through a simple question: “How likely are you to recommend [company name] to a friend or colleague?” Responses categorize individuals as Promoters (9–10), Passives (7–8), or Detractors (0–6), with the final score calculated by subtracting the percentage of Detractors from Promoters. Introduced in 2003, NPS has become popular across industries for its simplicity, predictive value, and benchmarking capabilities. In healthcare, NPS adoption is increasing as hospitals seek concise, standardized tools to assess patient satisfaction—an essential metric in the shift toward value-based care. …

Analyzing The Impact Of Surgery On Reducing Missed Workdays, Paul Bonilla, Victoria Elizondo, Juan Pablo Flanagan

Research Symposium

Background: Managing patient expectations before surgery is essential to improving the surgical experience. A key aspect of this is understanding the impact of surgery on work attendance. While patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are commonly used to assess health conditions, less attention has been given to how work attendance, both before and after surgery, can inform preoperative counseling. This is especially relevant for patients concerned about taking time off work. Analyzing work attendance can reveal patterns that help patients make informed decisions, improve long-term outcomes, and enhance satisfaction by setting achievable recovery timelines. This study aims to explore how this data can …

The Association Of Alcohol Use With Human Papilloma Virus (Hpv) And Related Oropharyngeal Cancers In The Border Of South Texas, Noe Garza, Miroslava Gomez-Garza, Desiree Garza, Ihsan Salloum

Research Symposium

Chronic heavy alcohol consumption and alcohol misuse may lead to alcohol use disorder and related physical and mental diseases such as liver disease, cervical cancer, pancreatitis, dementia, and various types of cancer. Alcohol use has been identified as a risk factor or aggravating factor for many kinds of cancers as well. HPV infection is the most extensively studied and clinically significant group of Papilloma Viruses (PV) in humans. They have more than 200 identified types, categorized into low‐risk types and high‐risk types based on their association with different diseases. Two important high-risk types include HPV 16 and HPB 18. Most …

The Sound Of Healing: Investigating The Role Of Music Therapy In Dementia Care, Nina Mourao, Bethany Woolman, Joshua Mcelliott, Shizue Mito, Ney Alliey-Rodriguez

Research Symposium

Background: Investigations into the applications of music therapy for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia has grown exponentially in the last decade. Within the years 2014-2024 there were 639 studies published on PubMed about the topic, more than double the 276 studies published in the 20 years prior to that (1994-2013). While interest in this topic has bloomed, few randomized control trials have been conducted. The aim of this review is to aggregate what conclusions have been made from previous research to inform novel study design for a randomized controlled trial for music therapy.

Methods: An electronic literature review was conducted …

Program Evaluation Of The Revamped Hapi Prevention Bundle Protocol In An Adult Non-Critical Inpatient Unit, Imari Santos

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

No abstract provided.

"We Got Your Back": Creating A Culture Of Safety For Safe Patient Handling And Mobility, Jerome Codilla, Joanna Felix-Mendez, Marinella Papa

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

No abstract provided.

"Be On The Lookout" (Bolo): A Multidisciplinary Call Button Responsiveness Program, Shawn Warren, Ronald Rosales, Gala Landry

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Socioeconomic Status In The Development Of Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Systematic Review, Neharika Penmetcha, Sasha Vereecken, Leonel Vela

Research Symposium

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a prevalent condition that significantly diminishes the quality of life for many women, manifesting as urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. Socioeconomic status (SES), a modifiable factor, has been implicated in the development and progression of POP. However, the extent of this association remains unclear in the literature. This systematic review aims to explore the role of SES in the development of POP, with the goal of informing targeted preventative strategies and improving healthcare equity.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched included PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, …

Patterns And Outcomes In Urotrauma: An Analysis Of Fatality Trends And Contributing Factors, Neharika Penmetcha, Aun Bangash, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Background: Urotrauma, involving injuries to the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, represents a critical subset of trauma cases, significantly impacting patient morbidity and mortality. Renal and urogenital injuries account for 10–20% of abdominal trauma in adults and children. Understanding urotrauma's epidemiology is vital for improving care protocols and resource allocation. Despite its impact, data on injury mechanisms, intent, and care modalities specific to urotrauma remain limited. This study investigates patterns in injury mechanisms, intent, transport modalities, and facility transfer status to identify factors influencing patient outcomes and inform trauma care improvements.

Methods: A retrospective review analyzed 3,492 trauma cases, filtered for …

Effectiveness Of A Multidisciplinary Atlas: Integrating Dermatological And Urological Anatomy For Enhanced Medical Education, Neharika Penmetcha, Jared Hensley, Blake C. Martin, Justin Heckman, Aun Bangash, Ricardo Belmares

Research Symposium

Background: Understanding the connections between the skin and urogenital systems is important for medical students, as many diseases affect both areas. Dermatology and urology are often taught separately, but combining them into a single learning resource could help students see how these systems are linked. By including real clinical cases in a multidisciplinary atlas, students might better understand anatomy, retain knowledge longer, and develop stronger problem-solving skills. This review explores how combining dermatological and urological anatomy in one atlas could improve medical education.

Methods: This literature review synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed studies on multidisciplinary teaching strategies, case-based learning, and visual …

Reconstitution Of Mirna-205 In Docetaxel Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells: A Nanotherapeutic Approach, Neeraj Chauhan, Eswara Naga Hanuma Kumar Ghali, Rahul Tiwari, Iris Enriquez, Rajasekhar Baru, Subhash C. Chauhan, Murali M. Yallapu

Research Symposium

Background: Prostate cancer (PrCa) is the second most diagnosed cancer and cause of death in men globally. Docetaxel (Dtxl) based first line chemotherapy is the main available therapeutic choice for PrCa patients. However, most (almost all) patients develop resistance to Dtxl treatment, making it difficult to treat such patients with no effective adjuvant therapy. Although cabazitaxel may be used to treat these patients, it is associated with many severe side effects including low white blood cells and allergic reactions. Therefore, finding an alternative strategy to reduce Dtxl resistance is of high importance for treating PrCa. miR-205 is a widely studied …

Simulations Of Physicochemical And Admet Properties Of Curcumin And Its Derivatives, Natasha N. Quailes, Megan W. Szobody, Nikhilesh Anand, Bharathi Gadad

Research Symposium

Background: Our research determined in-silico physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetic behavior of curcumin and its derivatives by analysing the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) of each compound after an oral administration of 10 mg. These evaluations offer valuable insight into the potential behavior and suitability of these compounds for further development. We identified more acceptable pharmacokinetic compounds for future in vitro and in vivo studies of curcumin and its derivatives.

Methodology: The ADMET predictor^® was used to predict the physicochemical properties of five compounds. The use of Lipinski’s rule analyzed the compounds that respected the threshold values of …