Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Dog Bite Prevalence And Severity Within Demographics: Age, Ethnicity, And Sex., Ashlyn Holubar, Jocelyn Torres, Mary Arden Guillory, Saloni Saldhi, Isabella Ortigoza Martinez, Shalika Padhi, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Dog bites are the most common animal bite injuries treated in emergency departments. Studies have shown a disproportional distribution of dog bites within demographics such as age group, ethnicity, and sex. This study aimed to identify the demographic groups with the highest prevalence of dog bites, analyze the relationship between injury type and gender, and explore the association between injury location and gender. Data from the Texas Department of State Health Services (2018-2022) were analyzed using ICD-10 code W54.0XXA, specific for dog bite incidents. Demographic factors such as age, sex, and ethnicity were extracted, and chi-square tests with Benjamini-Hochberg adjustments …

The Influence Of Environmental Neurotoxins On Parkinson's Disease, Arjun Bellamkonda, Amin Ibrahim, Hugo Zamarron, Kelsey Potter-Baker

Research Symposium

Background: Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by both motor and non-motor symptoms. PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, after Alzheimer’s Disease, with global prevalence increasing by 74.3% between 1990 and 2016. The majority of PD can be classified as primary or secondary parkinsonism. Differentiating secondary parkinsonism, which is caused by medications or environmental toxins, from other forms of PD requires careful exclusion of alternative causes and identification of red flags. Here, we sought to review literature concerning the effects of environmental neurotoxin exposure on the severity of PD.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review …

Ai Driven Detection Of Common Carotid Artery For Emergent Cardiac Procedures, Arjun Bellamkonda, Nneka Ede, Marc Abdallah, Alaukik Gupta, Gilmar Ortega, Bharathi S. Gadad

Research Symposium

Background: Visualizing the common carotid artery is a crucial step during ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) and ECPR (Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) procedures where timely and accurate cannulation is essential to sustain a patient’s vital functions. These procedures often involve critical time-sensitive scenarios where every second can make a significant difference in survival outcomes. Current cannulation techniques, such as the open cannulation method and the semi-Seldinger technique, are not only time-intensive but also require a high degree of precision to ensure proper arterial access. Delays or inaccuracies in identifying the common carotid artery can compromise the efficacy of these life-saving interventions. Recognizing …

Exploring The Effects Of Serotonin And Ssris On The Neurological, Behavioral, And Cardiovascular Systems Under Induced Stress –Using The Animal Model Of The Syrian Hamster, Ariana V. Hinojosa, Esperanza I. Alaniz, Esmeralda Lopez-Garcia, Giselle Padilla, Fernando Dominquez, Mario Gil

Research Symposium

Background: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has been found to have a wide range of effects on not just the neuropsychological processes but has also been found to exert effects outside the central nervous system (CNS); regulating numerous biological processes, such as metabolism, gastrointestinal system, reproductive function, and even the cardiovascular system. However, there is still a limited understanding of how serotonin affects all these systems due to its complexity and ability to regulate homeostasis. This project aims to create a stronger foundation of knowledge about serotonin and its influence on the interaction between the CNS, behavior, and cardiac function …

Gene Co-Expression Networks And Descriptive Statistical Patterns In Cancer Subtypes, Arely Solis, Marzieh Ayati

Research Symposium

There are many cancers that are affecting the human population, with some being more common and studied than others. These cancers have mostly been studied individually until 2012 when scientists began studying through comparison analysis of different cancers to see possible connections on the genomic and molecular level and have resulted in the categorization of tumors into types. The result from molecular analysis has re-classified types of tumors into new clusters, which aid doctors in deciding the optimal way of treating tumors. In this study, we analyze a dataset comprising over 2,000 cancer samples, focusing on six cancer types: breast, …

Uncovering The Mechanisms Of Glioblastoma Relapse Prevention With Niclosamide And Camptothecin Treatment, Xiaoqian Fang, Araely Ruiz, Eunseo Yang, Brianna Morin, Kimberly Herrera-Toscano, Megan Szobody, Josue Fonseca, John-Beloved Osho, Raquel Lara

Research Symposium

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and lethal malignant primary brain tumor for which the development of efficacious chemotherapeutic agents remains an urgent need. In our previous studies, we demonstrated that niclosamide and camptothecin (CPT) synergistically suppressed the proliferation in human glioblastoma U87 MG cells. Recently, we observed that U87 MG cells failed to resume growth after the combined treatment was removed, a phenomenon not seen with either agent alone. We aimed to explore the sustained anti-tumor effects of niclosamide and CPT in GBM.

Methods: Human glioblastoma U87 MG cells were treated with 5 mM niclosamide, 5 mM …

Muscle Force Analysis In Patients With Forefoot Amputees And Healthy Subjects During Walking, Anthony Melgar, Dumitru Caruntu, Javier La Fontaine, Luis Venegas, Hafizur Rahman

Research Symposium

Forefoot amputation, a type of partial foot amputation, involves the surgical disarticulation of either the interphalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joints. This procedure not only removes critical joint structures but also alters the positioning of associated muscles. Forefoot amputations significantly affect gait patterns and redistribute plantar pressure maps across the plantar surface of the foot. The phalanges are crucial in absorbing and redistributing plantar pressure during the gait cycle. The absence of phalanges and the loss of metatarsophalangeal joints alter the normal pressure distribution maps, possibly shifting peak pressure from one local foot region to another region of the foot. This research …

Use Of Marker-Less Motion Capture Systems In Community Care Settings, Anjana Ganesh, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Background: Marker-less motion capture systems have improved the assessment of human movement by allowing for a non-invasive, affordable, quantitative data collection useful in clinical settings. However, their use in real-world community care settings is largely underexplored, presenting a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between controlled laboratory environments and the complexity of providing care in diverse, everyday contexts. Here, we sought to review the current state of marker-less motion capture systems applied in community care, specifically for the monitoring and management of neurodegenerative diseases.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted using databases including PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE …

Utilidad De La Combinación De Los Biomarcadores: Procalcitonina, Proteína C Reactiva Y Volumen Plaquetario Medio En El Diagnóstico Temprano De Sepsis Neonatal [Usefulness Of The Combination Of Biomarkers: Procalcitonin, C-Reactive Protein And Mean Platelet Volume In The Early Diagnosis Of Neonatal Sepsis], Oscar Manuel Berlanga Bolado Jr, Patricia Rivera Vazquez, Arely Socorro Hernández García, Angelica Lizbeth Martinez Ortiz

Research Symposium

Introducción: La sepsis neonatal es una causa frecuente de morbilidad y mortalidad infantil. Se le ha definido como un síndrome clínico caracterizado por signos sistémicos de infección, acompañado de bacteriemia en el primer mes de vida. Por lo tanto, el diagnóstico temprano es fundamental.

Objetivo: Conocer la sensibilidad y especificidad de la combinación de biomarcadores séricos como procalcitonina, proteína C reactiva y volumen plaquetario medio en el diagnóstico temprano de sepsis neonatal.

Material y métodos: Estudio clínico, de tipo prospectivo, predictivo, observacional, analítico, longitudinal y conveniencia. Se analizaron los biomarcadores como PCT, PCR, VPM para diagnosticar sepsis neonatal. Se incluyeron …

Gut-Spine Connection: Unexplored Pathways To Improving Outcomes In Spinal Health And Disease, Anesu K. Murambadoro, Julia Saifetiarova, Priya Kale, Victor A. Bob-Yellowe, Paul Bonilla, Aun A. Bangash, Isabella Ortigoza, Anjana Ganesh, Mohammed S. Razzaque

Research Symposium

Introduction: Lumbar spinal fusion is among the most expensive procedures in the Medicare system, with costs exceeding $33 billion annually. Improving recovery outcomes for these procedures is critical, and emerging research suggests that microbiome-targeted therapies could play a key role. There is growing evidence linking spinal health with gut microbiota alterations, particularly through the gut-spine axis, which involves the gut-disc, gut-bone, and gut-immune interactions. This bidirectional relationship between gut microbiota and spinal health offers a novel approach for understanding recovery mechanisms. Additionally, magnesium deficiency, which is prevalent, may exacerbate both gut dysbiosis and poor bone health, contributing to chronic skeletal …

Evaluating Industry Relationships And Transparency: Insights From Orthopedic Surgeons In The Cms Open Payments Database, Anesu K. Murambadoro, Mario Keko, Edward Rodriguez, John J. Wixted

Research Symposium

Introduction: Industry payments to physicians may risk introducing bias into patient care. The Open Payments (OP) database, established by Physician Payments Sunshine Act, reports these payments to promote transparency. Orthopedic surgeons receive the highest industry payments especially in the category of royalties/licensing, prompting questions about conflicts of interest and whether the database accurately reflects the status across the specialty. We hypothesize that the OP database underrepresents the relationships that orthopedic surgeons have with industry. We seek to assess the validity of reported industry payments, particularly in the categories of royalties and licensing payments to determine how to improve transparency and …

Evaluating Longitudinal Research Modules: Enhancing Pre-Clerkship Medical Students' Research Skills And Performance, Anesu K. Murambadoro, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Chloe Harris, Meyer Maddox, Blake Martin, Nina Mourao, Elias Arellano Villanueva, Juan C. Lopez-Alvarenga, Chelsea Chang, Beatriz Tapia, Kelsey Baker, Bharathi S. Gadad

Research Symposium

Background: Less than 7% of medical students publish research articles. Factors contributing to delays in student engagement include perceived time limitations, lack of enthusiasm, poor facilities, and insufficient supervisory support. Although project-based programs can improve research abilities, they frequently do not correspond with the program's goals, pedagogical approaches, and assessment standards and, worse, are not linked with other teaching modules. There is scarce evaluation of longitudinal research integrated programs' effects on pre-clerkship students and faculty motivation, willingness, and skills. We designed a pre-clerkship longitudinal research module integrated with the concurrent modules to enhance scores on attitudes toward research (R-ATR), cognition …

Enhancing Surgical Interest Through Pre-Clerkship Interventions: Insights For Student-Run Interest Groups, Anesu K. Murambadoro, Antoinette Burrell, Karina Zamora, Daniela Gonzalez, Theresa M. Biju, Paul Bonilla, Blake Martin, Ayesha Usman

Research Symposium

Background: The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) projects a shortage of 10,100 to 19,900 surgeons by 2036. Despite the need for physicians in surgical specialties, exposure to surgical education remains limited to the third and fourth year, posing a barrier to fostering early interest in surgical careers. Medical school student interest groups (SIGs) may be an avenue to increase surgical exposure pre-clerkship curriculum. We seek to establish effective interventions that can be utilized by SIGs to increase and maintain surgical interest to the point of matriculation into surgical residency.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review using electronic databases, …

Could Telemedicine Approaches Improve Inclusivity In Spinal Cord Injury Care And Research?: Insights From Epidemiological Texas Data, Anesu Karen Murambadoro, Daniel Salinas, Victoria Elizondo, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Blake Martin, Paul Bonilla, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects hundreds of Texans, with annual healthcare costs exceeding $43,800 per individual, with the bulk of these costs coming from frequent rehabilitation visits. In a geographically vast state with only two major SCI rehabilitation centers, Texans with SCI may face substantial barriers to accessing specialized care, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Telemedicine, which encompasses remote delivery of healthcare services and rehabilitation, has offered promising solutions in easing travel burden and improving physician reach. For example, nationally, in 2021, 37.0% of individuals utilized telemedicine. Furthermore, telemedicine usage was greatest among individuals living in West and …

The Use Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy In The Setting Of Acute Limb Ischemia, Josue Fonseca, Andrew B. Callan

Research Symposium

Background: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a long-used yet understudied intervention for a wide array of conditions. In the case of our patient with acute limb ischemia secondary to cholesterol emboli, the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy after attempted thrombectomy and thrombolysis was utilized to promote tissue oxygenation and wound healing with the goal of preserving the patient’s limb. What makes this case novel is that an understudied treatment method was used to preserve the patient’s limb after the recommended treatment options been exhausted. This case highlights the need for more studies on the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the …

Trauma In Pregnancy: A Statistical Retrospective Analysis Of Leading Causes And Demographic Insights, Andrea Argenal, Sonya Bhatia, Sowmya Duddu, Julia Paz, Sriya Gullapalli, Kelsey Baker, Bharathi Gadad

Research Symposium

Background: Trauma during pregnancy is a significant contributor to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Understanding the leading causes of trauma can guide interventions to improve outcomes of injuries for pregnant women. This study aimed to analyze the distribution of trauma causes in a cohort of pregnant women treated in Texas Emergency Department over the year 2021.

Methods: A retrospective statistical analysis was conducted on a sample of 96 pregnant women who experienced trauma. Data was collected from the Texas Emergency Department for patients admitted to the hospital during 2021 and categorized by the cause of injury; some of these …

First-In-Class Peptide Molecules Targeting The Mien1 Cancer Signaling Pathway, For Which No Inhibitors Have Been Identified To Date., Amit Tripathi, Jamboor K. Vishwanatha

Research Symposium

Background: Migration and Invasion Enhancer 1 (MIEN1) is a critical oncogene that drives cancer cell migration, invasion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in various cancers. MIEN1 overexpression is linked to aggressive tumor progression and poor prognosis. Despite its established role in cancer biology, targeted therapeutic options remain unexplored. This study aimed to identify and characterize first-in-class therapeutic molecules targeting the MIEN1 signaling pathway to inhibit cancer progression.

Methods: To develop novel bio-active peptides, we leveraged conserved immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) and prenylation motifs within the MIEN1 protein sequence. Using rational peptide design, we identified and synthesized bioactive peptides, namely LA3IK …

Memoria Sin Fronteras: A Culturally Informed Expressive Arts Program For Brain Health In The Rio Grande Valley, Andrea Ramirez, Rosa V. Pirela, Kim Finn, Gladys E. Maestre

Research Symposium

Purpose: The Memoria Sin Fronteras program addresses the rising prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in rural communities by promoting health equity and targeting underserved older adults in Brownsville, Texas, in particular in the Southmost neighborhood. The program aims to reduce health disparities by providing free, accessible interventions for cognitive health, social engagement, and community support. By creating opportunities for multi-generational interaction and education, the initiative aims to mitigate the impact of AD and improve the overall quality of life for seniors who lack resources.

Description: The program centers on the future establishment of a geriatric center offering art therapy, social …

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

Research Symposium

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

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

Research Symposium

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

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

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

Research Symposium

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

Methods: Data collection was …

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

Research Symposium

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

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

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

Research Symposium

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

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

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

Research Symposium

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

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

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

Research Symposium

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

Comparative Risk Of Venous Thromboembolism Of Advanced Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs Among Older Adults With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Shadi Bazzazzadehgan, Shishir Maharjan, John P. Bentley, Yi Yang, Yinan Huang

Annual Poster Session 2024-2025

Objective: To evaluate the association between different types of biological (b) and targeted synthetic (ts) diseasemodifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), or b/tsDMARDs, including tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), non-TNFi bDMARDs, and tsDMARDs and the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among older adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Glycore Phase 2, University Of Mississippi. Biomolecular Sciences

Annual Poster Session 2024-2025

Poster outlines the four cores of the Glycoscience Center of Research Excellence at the University of Mississippi: administrative, analytical and biophysical research, imaging researching, computational chemistry and bioinformatics research. Research award opportunities are also outlined.

The Impact Of A Cancer Diagnosis On Employment And Finances; Preliminary Findings From A Multi-Site Guaranteed Income Trial, Deidre Geroni, Gregory Garber, Amy Leader, Chiu Yi Tan, Jessica Jacoby, Jason Ma, Meredith Doherty

Department of Medical Oncology Posters

Background

A cancer diagnosis affects patients beyond physical health, often disrupting emotional, social, and financial well-being. Employment is central to personal identity, contributing to:

• Financial stability
• A sense of community
• Purpose and fulfillment in daily life

Addressing the impact of cancer on employment is essential to supporting patients' holistic well-being. Despite these challenges, there is a lack of targeted financial interventions aimed at mitigating the disruption to employment, highlighting the need for studies like this one.

Ada News - 03/03/2025, American Dental Association, Publishing Division

ADA News

Established in 1970 as the official newspaper of the American Dental Association, the ADA News serves practicing dentists and others allied to the dental profession in the U.S. and internationally. It is the No. 1 source of news and information about the many benefits and services the ADA delivers to members daily as well as timely information on scientific, social, political and economic developments affecting dentistry and health care.

External Validation Of The Phoenix Sepsis Score In Children With Suspected Community-Acquired Sepsis, Elliot Long, Meredith Borland, Shane George, Shefali Jani, Eunicia Tan, Natalie Phillips, Amit Kochar, Simon Craig, Anna Lithgow, Arjun Rao, Stuart Dalziel, Ed Oakley, Stephen Hearps, Ben Gelbart, Sarah Mcnab, Fran Balamuth, Scott Weiss, Nathan Kuppermann, Charlotte Brad, Amanda Williams, Franz Babl

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

IMPORTANCE: The novel Phoenix Sepsis Score and sepsis criteria were derived and validated using a multicountry dataset and proposed as a new definition for sepsis in children.

OBJECTIVE: To externally validate the Phoenix Sepsis Score and sepsis criteria in a cohort of children hospitalized with suspected community-acquired sepsis.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This diagnostic study used data from the multicenter, multicountry Sepsis Epidemiology in Australian and New Zealand Emergency Departments (SENTINEL) study, collected from 2021 to 2023 and including 90-day follow-up. Children admitted to the hospital through 11 emergency departments in Australia and New Zealand and treated with parenteral antibiotics …