Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Retrospective Analyses Of Co-Morbid Psychiatric Diagnoses Among Eating Disorder Patients In The Rio Grande Valley, Julia T. Paz, Miguel Quintanilla, Karina Zamora, Sowmya Duddu, Maria Sophia Malbas, Allison Mcadams, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Introduction: According to the DSM-V-TR, eating disorders are defined as a persistent disturbance of eating-related behavior that has an outcome of altered consumption or absorption of food that significantly harms psychosocial functioning or physical health. In studies done on a nationally representative sample of adults, eating disorders were seen to be highly associated with other psychiatric disorders, most frequently including mood disorders, substance use disorders, and anxiety disorders. This study sought to analyze the prevalence of patients with eating disorders and co-morbid psychiatric conditions in the Rio Grande Valley.

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

A Retrospective Analysis Of Texas Trauma-Related Admissions In Patients With Adhd As A Co-Morbidity, Julia T. Paz, Andrea Argenal, Sonya Bhatia, Sowmya Duddu, Nina Mourao, Sriya Gullapalli, Tori Sayers, Kelsey Baker, Bharathi S. Gadad

Research Symposium

Introduction: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric disorder with childhood-onset that has a prevalence of 5% in the general population. The DSM-V-TR describes ADHD as the pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity that interferes with development or functioning. In the state of Texas between the years 2016 and 2019, the prevalence of ADHD in children from ages 3 to 17 years of age was 8.8%. Studies have shown associations between ADHD and injuries such as burns, fractures, traffic injuries, and dental trauma. This study aims to analyze the prevalence and reasons for emergency department (ED) visits for patients admitted …

Symptomatic Manifestations Of Hip Dysplasia In Young Adults: How Do Patients Present Before And After Surgery?, John M. Gaddis, Amanda Wheeler, Yossef Alsabawi, Erika Shults, Charles South, Joel E. Wells

Research Symposium

Background: Hip dysplasia is a common source of hip pain in young adults that can lead to early-onset osteoarthritis. The Bernese periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) have shown good results as surgical treatment options for this disorder, yet pain may persist after surgery. A previous study described the clinical features of pre-treated hip dysplasia in a traditional clinical cohort; however, to our knowledge, no previous studies have examined the symptomatic manifestations of hip dysplasia in young adults before and after various surgical treatments including the analysis of pain locations in numerous anatomical areas through a body pain …

Harmony In Healing: Investigating The Impact Of Music Therapy Reduction, Literature Review, Joshua K. Mcelliott, Nina Mourao, Bethany Woolman, Shizue Mito, Ney Alliey Rodriguez

Research Symposium

Background: Various treatments exist for treating anxiety disorders, and a therapy that appears to show promise is music therapy (MT). This includes using methods such as listening to music, structured musical activities, and improvisational musical activities. MT has shown efficacy in a wide range of settings including individuals with severe mental illness, cancer patients1,2, children, adults, in-patient care, and out-patient care.

Methods: This literature review aimed to evaluate current research on the efficacy of music therapy for treating anxiety. The guidelines for selecting which studies to review are as follows:

1. Publication date: only studies published after 2000 were included to …

   ---

   Go to article

When Creatine Kinase Soars: A Case Of Viral Myositis In The Absence Of Rhabdomyolysis, Jose J. Loayza Pintado, Jorge Aboytes Trevino, Andres Suarez Parraga

Research Symposium

Background: Myositis is muscle inflammation commonly causing symmetrical pain, especially in the proximal muscles, often triggered by viral infections. Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), a human-exclusive virus, is linked to acute viral myositis (AVM). Typically, AVM presents with sudden bilateral muscle pain and systemic symptoms like fever, nausea, and vomiting, occurring after a recent respiratory or gastrointestinal infection. Diagnosis involves measuring creatine kinase (CK) levels, liver function tests, and viral studies. While viral myositis is self-limiting and generally resolves within two weeks with supportive care, complications like rhabdomyolysis can occur. We present a case of EBV-induced viral myositis with significantly elevated CK …

Health Inequities In An Undocumented Immigrant Woman With Scleroderma: A Case Report Of Uninsured Care Challenges, Jorge A. Aboytes, Jose J. Loayza, Ismael Cantu

Research Symposium

Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc), commonly known as scleroderma, is a rare connective tissue disorder involving widespread fibrosis, immune system dysregulation, and vascular abnormalities¹. The disease disproportionately affects women, with a female-to-male ratio of 4:1 to 9:1, and is marked by significant ethnic and healthcare disparities². Underserved populations often experience worse outcomes, driven by higher medical costs and increased utilization of emergency and inpatient services³. Among Hispanic patients, language and cultural barriers further exacerbate disparities in access to and quality of care⁴. These challenges underscore the need for equitable healthcare strategies. We present …

Metallosis And An Adverse Reaction To Metal Debris Following Dislocation Of A Metal-On-Metal Hip Arthroplasty: A Case Report, John M. Gaddis, Amanda Wheeler, Bretton Laboret, Joel Wells

Research Symposium

Background: Primary total hip arthroplasties have a reported survivorship exceeding 95% at 10-year data. Metal-on-metal bearing surfaces were introduced to minimize wear rate for patients undergoing THA, however, long-term data has shown an unacceptably high failure rate requiring THA revision. The metal-on-metal implants can lead to failure with the generation of the metal ions, specifically cobalt and chromium. The rise in levels of these metal ions can result in adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD) which can consist of macroscopic necrosis, corrosive osteolysis, sterile hip effusions, and pseudotumor. There are no specific clinical signs or symptoms indicating metallosis, rather, diagnosis …

Assessing The Accuracy And Readability Of Chatgpt 4.0’S Responses To Common Patient Questions Regarding Periacetabular Osteotomy (Pao), John M. Gaddis, Elias Arellano, Yossef Alsabawi, Pablo Castaneda, Joel Wells

Research Symposium

Aims: The study aimed to evaluate the accuracy, comprehensiveness, and readability of responses generated by ChatGPT 4.0 to 30 common patient questions about the Bernese Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO).

Methods: Two fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons specializing in hip preservation selected thirty questions from a prior study identifying common PAO questions on social media. Each question was entered into ChatGPT 4.0, and the surgeons independently graded responses. Responses were evaluated using an established grading system: “excellent,” “satisfactory requiring minimal clarification,” “satisfactory requiring moderate clarification,” or “unsatisfactory.” Accuracy and comprehensiveness were assessed based on the concordance of response content with current literature. Readability was …

Health Disparities In Third-Degree Burn Care In The State Of Texas, Jocelyn Torres, Isabella Ortigoza Martinez, Saloni Saldhi, Mary Arden Guillory, Shalika Padhi, Ashlyn Holubar

Research Symposium

Background: Third-degree burns are injuries that penetrate through the dermis and can affect underlying tissues, resulting in severe functional and aesthetic impairments. Despite advancements in burn care, challenges remain in care equality. Of note, best practices recommend third-degree burn treatment should occur at a registered burn center due to the high risk of shock and/or infection. Additionally, a burn center provides specialized treatments such as grafts that can lead to improved recovery. Previous studies have shown that marginalized racial groups correlate with worse burn injury outcomes, suggesting that they may not have access to burn centers. This study aimed to …

Lipid-Based Niclosamide Delivery: Comparative Efficacy, Bioavailability, And Potential As A Cancer Drug, Jihoo Woo, Russell Wiggins, Shizue Mito

Research Symposium

Niclosamide, an FDA-approved anti-parasitic drug, has demonstrated significant potential as a repurposed anti-cancer agent due to its ability to interfere with multiple oncogenic pathways. However, its clinical application has been hindered by poor solubility and bioavailability. Lipid-based nanocarrier systems such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), and lipid nanoemulsions (LNE), along with lipid prodrugs, have successfully been employed by researchers to overcome these limitations and improve niclosamide’s pharmacokinetic profile. Lipids are the core organic compounds which serve as the foundation of these advanced drug delivery methods and in turn play a critical role in enhancing niclosamide’s …

Exploring The Association Between Psoriasis And Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Literature Review, Jihoo Woo, Russell Wiggins, Chelsea Chang, Victor Tran, Elimar Morales, Ramon Elizondo, John N. Cauba

Research Symposium

As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise in the United States, affecting a significant portion of the population, it is critical to explore its potential connections with other prevalent conditions like psoriasis, as this may influence treatment approaches for diabetes patients in general. This literature review examines the relationship between psoriasis and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), focusing on how these conditions might be interrelated, which is vital for developing comprehensive management strategies that consider both dermatological and metabolic aspects.

Recent studies have shown a strong relationship between psoriasis, metabolic disorders, and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). However, the …

Evaluating The Incidence Of Gastrointestinal Obstructions In Stroke Patients Of The Rgv, Jennifer V. Escamilla, Kaitlyn D. Ybanez, Maci Oestreich, Shiza Khan, Kelsey Potter-Baker

Research Symposium

Background: Studies have shown that the nationwide rate of gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction in acute ischemic stroke patients among White and African American populations is 0.43%. The Rio Grande Valley (RGV), a medically underserved region, presents unique healthcare challenges for its predominantly Hispanic community. While external studies have linked alterations in the gut microbiome to the development of atherosclerotic and cardiovascular diseases, similar correlations in patients with cerebral infarctions remain unexplored. This retrospective chart review aims to examine the incidence of GI obstruction in RGV patients with and without a history of ischemic stroke and compare these findings to other populations. …

Regional Disparities In Melanoma Mortality: A Study Of The Lower Rio Grande Valley In South Texas, Jared Hensley, Smaran Marupudi, Neharika Penmetcha, Blake C. Martin, Natasha Quailes, Elias Arellano Villanueva, Maria Villegas

Research Symposium

Background: Melanoma, a serious skin cancer with substantial morbidity, is influenced by demographic, geographic, and healthcare access factors. South Texas' Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) region—including Starr, Willacy, Cameron, and Hidalgo counties—has a predominantly Hispanic population facing unique barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment. This study investigates the primary causes of death among melanoma patients in the LRGV compared to other Texas regions, aiming to uncover regional disparities that could guide public health interventions.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using data from the Texas Cancer Registry (1995-2019). Patients were grouped into two cohorts: Group 1 (LRGV counties) and …

The Link Between Alcohol And Cancer: An Under Recognized Major Public Health Problem., Ihsan Salloum

Research Symposium

Objectives: Alcohol use related consequences is a worldwide major public health problem. Alcohol use is globally responsible for three million deaths each year and accounts for 5.1% of the global burden of disease. It accounts for the highest proportion of premature mortality among those ages between 15 and 49 years of age. Alcohol use has been linked to more than 200 disease and injury conditions and to poor health and disabilities of millions of people. While the link between alcohol and cancer has been recognized for a while, the awareness of such connection is still limited among the public …

Identification Of Retinal Microvasculature Associated With Alzheimer’S Disease-Related Disorders Using Optical Tomography Coherence Angiography: A Systematic Review, Giani C. Tah, Silvia Mejia-Arango, Igor Zwir, Lorena Flores-Hernandez, Gladys E. Maestre, Jesus D. Melgarejo

Research Symposium

Introduction: Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) is the most common type of form of dementia in older adults. Detection and diagnosis are based on invasive and expensive procedures including PET scanning and lumbar puncture cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Optical Tomography Coherence (OCT) angiography may be an alternative solution for early, cost-effective non-invasive detection of AD. We aimed to conduct a systematic review to summarize the current evidence describing the association between OCT angiography and AD using PubMed as data source.

Methods: Pubmed was used to compile resources for a systematic review. Keywords used include “Alzheimer’s disease”, “preclinical Alzheimer’s disease”, “OCT”, “OCTA”, “neurovascular degeneration”, …

Leveraging Ai In Teledermatology: A Literature Review On Advancing Health Equity For Underserved Populations, Jared Hensley, Smaran Marupudi, Blake Martin, Neharika Penmetcha, Maria Villegas

Research Symposium

Background: Health disparities in dermatological care tend to disproportionately affect underserved populations, particularly those in rural and resource-limited settings. Teledermatology, augmented by artificial intelligence (AI), presents an opportunity to address these inequities by providing underserved populations with improved diagnostic capabilities. Despite its promise, AI models in teledermatology can often exhibit biases, such as reduced diagnostic efficacy for Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI, due to their training on non-representative datasets. This literature review explores AI's role in teledermatology and potential strategies to enhance its utility for underserved populations.

Methods: A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted to evaluate the integration of …

Intracavitary Left Ventricular Thrombus In A Patient With Severe Ischemic Cardiomyopathy And Nstemi: A Case Report And Management Approach, Ivan Mogollon, Luis Salcedo, Francisco Arias, Aura Calderon, Catherine Matos, Ismael Cantu

Research Symposium

Background: Intracavitary thrombi are a known complication of ischemic cardiomyopathy, often arising in the setting of severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. These thrombi can predispose patients to thromboembolic events and exacerbate cardiovascular compromise. Diagnostic challenges arise when intracavitary masses are identified in conjunction with other critical pathologies, such as acute coronary syndromes or peripheral artery disease. This report highlights the case of a 74-year-old male with multiple cardiovascular comorbidities who presented with near syncope, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, and an incidental finding of an intracavitary left ventricular thrombus.

Case Presentation: A 74-year-old male with a history of coronary artery …

A Five-Year Study Of Pelvic Fractures In Texas: Demographics, Location And Healthcare Needs, Isabella Ortigoza, Saloni Saldhi, Shalika Padhi, Ashlyn Holubar, Mary Arden Guillory, Jocelyn Torres, Daniel Salinas, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Background: Pelvic fractures, while rare, are one of the more severe fractures due to their potential to damage crucial internal organs. Many are deemed medical emergencies that require immediate surgical attention, highlighting the importance of accessible healthcare. Previous research indicates that pelvic fractures are more prevalent in women and most often as a result from a high impact traumatic injury. However, it remains unclear the impact of epidemiologic factors on pelvic fracture incidence and severity, particularly in minority populations. Here, we sought to evaluate the influence of geographical area on pelvic fracture incidence, including specific injury causes and anatomical fracture …

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (Pml) Induced By Jc Virus: A Case Report And Review Of Clinical Implications, Hugo Zamarron, Roberto Cruz

Research Symposium

Background: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare but serious demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, caused by the John Cunningham (JC) virus. While the JC virus is common in the general population, it remains dormant in healthy individuals but can reactivate in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing immunosuppressive treatments for organ transplants or autoimmune conditions. The virus attacks oligodendrocytes, leading to demyelination and significant neurological deficits. Immunosuppressive therapies such as natalizumab, rituximab, and mycophenolate increase the risk of PML. Diagnosing PML is challenging as its symptoms—focal neurological deficits, sensory-motor issues, and visual disturbances—overlap with conditions …

Exploring The Mechanisms Of Varicella-Zoster Virus Pathogenesis And Its Potential Role In Oncogenesis, Fernando Cisneros, Blake Martin

Research Symposium

Background: Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a highly prevalent pathogen primarily recognized for causing chickenpox during primary infection and herpes zoster (HZ), also known as shingles, upon reactivation. While post-infectious complications of VZV, such as encephalitis, pneumonia, and post-herpetic neuralgia, are well-established, recent large population-based studies suggest that HZ may increase the risk of occult cancers. Emerging evidence suggests that VZV may modulate key oncogenic pathways, such as the inhibition of apoptosis, alteration of cell cycle regulatory enzymes, and interference with immunosurveillance, which could potentially promote cancer development. These findings indicate that VZV’s role in cancer biology may involve direct cellular …

Antifungal Drugs As Emerging Candidates For Prostate Cancer Treatment, Eswara Nhk Ghali, Rahul Tiwari, Ryan Jisoo Chang, Sung Yun Jung, Vivek Kumar Kashyap, Anupam Dhasmana, Neeraj Chauhan, Subhash Chauhan, Murali Yallapu

Research Symposium

Background: Prostate cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men, with approximately 299,010 new cases and 35,250 deaths projected in the United States in 2024. Despite advances in therapeutic options, including radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and biologics, significant long-term side effects challenge patient quality of life. Repurposing FDA-approved antifungal agents offers a novel approach to overcoming these limitations and can serve as a source of potential therapeutics against prostate cancer.

Methods: This study evaluated the anticancer potential of antifungal drugs, such as natamycin, terbinafine, ketoconazole, clotrimazole, and miconazole, against prostate cancer cell lines. Cytotoxicity, colony formation, invasion, and …

Effects Of Arginine-Vasopressin In The Brain On Cardiovascular Function In A Psychosocial Stress Animal Model, Esmeralda Lopez-Garcia, Ariana V. Hinojosa, Esperanza I. Alaniz, Fernando Dominguez, Giselle Padilla, Mario Gil

Research Symposium

Background: Psychosocial stress impacts cardiovascular health, increasing the risk of events like myocardial infarction (MI), stress cardiomyopathy, and neuropsychiatric disorders, including Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Anxiety. However, our understanding of the biological mechanisms that connect psychosocial stress with negative cardiovascular and psychological outcomes remains incomplete. Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) is linked to both mental and physical health by regulating social behavior, blood pressure, and anxiety-related behaviors. This study investigates the potential cardioprotective effects of the neuropeptide AVP, in an effort to generate evidence that it may strengthen heart function and lessen the severity of adverse cardiovascular events caused by stress, brain …

Staged Reconstruction And Salvage Of 5th Finger With Corticocancellous Distal Radius Autograft: A Case Report, Emmanuel Franco, Zayd Ayas, Frank Gerold

Research Symposium

Background: Finger reconstruction in the aftermath of severe trauma poses significant challenges in restorative surgery, particularly when addressing extensive soft tissue damage, comminuted fractures, and simultaneous neurovascular complications. This study presents a case of a patient with a complicated distal phalangeal fracture that pursued digit salvage.

Case Presentation: Patient is a 31-year-old woman who sustained a severe injury to her right 5th digit during an ATV rollover. The trauma resulted in an exposed and comminuted fracture of the proximal phalanx with associated loss of soft tissues, flexor tendon, radial nerve injury, and vascular compromise. She elected to pursue digit salvage …

Intraoperative Imaging In Orthopedic Settings: An Assessment Of Changes In Adherence To Imaging Guidelines, Emmanuel Franco, Tabitha Abraham, Zayd Ayas, Frank Gerold

Research Symposium

Background: High-quality intraoperative photography is vital for treatment planning, patient counseling, and surgical education. Inconsistencies in image quality are prevalent in orthopedic literature due to the absence of formalized criteria specific to orthopedic settings. In 2014, "Medical Photography: Principles for Orthopedics" introduced guidelines intending to standardize protocols for capturing clinical images. By comparing the quality of images taken both before and after these proposed guidelines, this project aims to evaluate whether this has influenced a trend toward standardization and consistency in intraoperative orthopedic photography.

Methods: To assess quality differences in orthopedic images before and after the 2014 guidelines, 60 intraoperative …

Sociodemographic And Environmental Factors Associated With Subjective Heat Stress Among Residents Living In The South Texas-Mexico Border Region., Elyssa Ruvio, Michael Machiorlatti, Audrey Choh, Loren Clark, Candace Robledo

Research Symposium

Background: Heat stress in humans can lead to heat-related illness and disproportionately impacts low resource communities who are more likely to experience risk factors for heat exposure. For instance, the heat and health index, a national tool, ranks the South TexasMexico border region as being at high risk for heat related adverse health outcomes. Extreme heat events are described as periods of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two days. Understanding who is experiencing heat stress and to what extent, is important when planning and designing interventions aimed at preventing negative heat related health …

Biocomposite Adsorbent Of Grafted Chitosan-Benzaldehyde/Lactobacillus Casei Bacteria For Removal Of Acid Red 88 Dye: Box-Benken Design Optimization And Mechanism Approach, Hasan M. Aghaa, Salis A. Musa, Ahmad Hapiz, Ruihong Wu, Khansaa Al-Essa, Ali Mohammed Saleh, Abdallah Reghioua

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Herein, biohybrid biosorbent material was produced from grafting chitosan benzaldehyde/Lactobacillus casei (CHS-BZ/LAC) for the removal of anionic dye acid red 88 (AR88). CHS-BZ/LAC was fabricated using a hydrothermal process under the condition of 100 °C in an oven for 6 h. The optimization of AR88 dye adsorption by CHS-BZ/LAC was conducted by employing Box Bahnken design (BBD). The code and value of parameters used in this study were CHS-BZ/LAC dosage (A: 0.02-0.1 g/L), dye solution pH (B: 4-10), and contact time (C: 10-40 min). The BBD design shows that the highest removal of …

Cancer Of Unknown Primary With Squamous Cell Carcinoma Phenotype Presenting As Isolated Axillary Mass, Nicole Liang, Mohamed Ashal, Lynne J. Goebel

Internal Medicine

Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is a rare metastatic malignancy where no primary tumor can be found. We report the case of a 71-year-old female with a strong family history of breast cancer presenting with isolated axillary lymphadenopathy after a tick bite. A biopsy of the axillary mass revealed poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and after extensive evaluation, she was diagnosed with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma with unknown primary tumor. We present this case because of the role of confounding history complicating her initial diagnosis and bringing awareness to a rare disease.

Disaster Management And Triage, Nicole Sebastian, Johanna Brown, Liubov Hamadou, Lisa Kuang, Josiah Padilla, Matthew Romero, Kailey Trummert

Nursing Leadership in Community Engagement Projects

Clarifying the Disaster Triage Plan for Volunteer Nursing Faculty and Students at a Private University Campus

This project provides a brief overview of the collaboration between campus security, the campus health clinic, and the nursing department at a private university in a disaster requiring medical triage. The partnership between campus security and senior nursing students aims to amplify the original plans of the current disaster preparedness and clarify volunteer roles for nursing students and faculty. Both agencies have emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness and the support role the nursing department can play in these plans. The main goal of …

Birth Planning, Audrey K. Gill, Kacie J. Easley

Student Scholarship & Creative Works

This is an informative presentation completed using evidence based practice regarding the importance of birth planning and the use of birth plans. It is used as a tool to educate nurses and healthcare providers about the benefits of implementing birth plan education into their patients portfolio. The birth plan is a written document that involves the collaborative efforts between nurses/healthcare providers and future mothers. It is used in order to personalize and improve the birthing experience for patients. This presentation uses qualitative research, quantitative research, and theoretical framework in order to deem positive results with the implementation of birth plans.

Scaling New Heights: A Prospective Survey Of Rock Climbing's Impact On Mental Health, Kathy Chen, Swetha Sundaram, David F Lo, Ahmed Gawash, Charalampos Papachristou, Altamash E Raja

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Sport climbing, officially added to the 2020 Summer Olympics, has grown rapidly, with U.S. climbing gyms increasing from 310 in 2013 to 591 in 2021. Over the past decade, European research has identified bouldering as a potential psychotherapeutic treatment for anxiety and depression. Randomized controlled trials have compared bouldering psychotherapy (BPT) to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), showing that BPT produces comparable results and positively impacts mental health.

PURPOSE: There have been very few studies dedicated to the use of rock climbing as a therapy in the United States; further, there are few surveys that investigate whether American climbers would …