Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Exploring The Role Of Reactive Oxygen Species In Redox Cancer Therapy: Unveiling New Avenues For Treatment, Fernando Cisneros Iv, Alex Zuo

Research Colloquium

Cancer cells, compared to normal cells, often exhibit higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to normal cells due to various factors. Despite this, research suggests that cancer cells are more vulnerable to oxidative stress. Given the role of oxidative stress in cancer development, several proposed mechanisms detail how ROS can contribute to tumorigenesis. The modulation of pathways directing to increased ROS production might provide more avenues for cancer treatment and prevention. Molecular targets in cancer, recognized by their association to transcription factors like Nrf2, involve genes such as P53 and HMOX1. Administration of agents such as quercetin, lipid …

Exploring Novel Niclosamide Derivatives For Enhanced Efficacy In Human Glioblastoma U-87 Mg Cells: A Sar Investigation, Fernando Cisneros Iv, Benjamin Valdivia, Jihoo Woo, Shizue Mito

Research Colloquium

Glioblastoma, often referred to as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is the most aggressive and malignant type of primary brain tumor in adults. Glioblastoma is notoriously difficult to treat due to several inherent characteristics, such as its aggressiveness, heterogeneity, compartmentalization via the blood-brain barrier, resistance to most conventional therapies like chemotherapy and radiation, its location, and limited treatment options. Consequently, despite significant advancements in pharmacotherapies over the past 30 years, there has been only relatively minimal improvement in prognosis. Recent research into the effectiveness of niclosamide, an antihelminth drug, has yielded encouraging findings regarding its potential as a treatment for glioblastoma. Our …

Vertebral Morphology Of Loeys-Dietz Spine, Myung-Jin Cha, William Elnemer, Paul D. Sponseller

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Understanding pedicle and laminar anatomy is crucial for secure fixation of spinal instrumentation and to ultimately prevent complications such as pseudoarthrosis. This study explores the spinal morphology in the LD vertebrae and compares it to vertebrae of TDP.

Methods: The morphology of 36 vertebrae from T1 to L5 were measured in 4 LD syndrome patients, using MRI and CT scans. The morphology of 140 vertebrae from T1 to L5 were measured in non-connective tissue disorder patients, using MRI, CT, and X-rays. These values were then compared to each other. Comparisons via paired Student’s t-test were made between the concave …

Upper Extremity Neurologic Injury Following Surgery For Early-Onset Scoliosis, Myung-Jin Cha, Daniel Badin, Paul D. Sponseller

Research Colloquium

Introduction: In our study, we aim to characterize the incidence, risk factors, and outcome for and outcomes of upper extremity (UE) neurologic injury following operations for patients with early onset scoliosis (EOS).

Methods:EOS patients who underwent surgical correction of their scoliosis were selected from a multicenter database. The patient cohort was then analyzed in their demographics, etiology of scoliosis, details of the injury, type of spinal implant, and changes in cobb angle and kyphosis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize this cohort of patients.

Results: Out of 4653 EOS patients who underwent surgery in the multicenter database, 10 patients …

Surgically Relevant Anatomy Of Marfan Spinal Deformity, Myung-Jin Cha, William Elnemer, Paul D. Sponseller

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Understanding pedicle and laminar anatomy is crucial for secure fixation of spinal instrumentation. This study explores the spinal morphology in the Marfan vertebrae and compares it to vertebrae of TDP.

Methods: The morphology of 134 vertebrae from T1 to L5 were measured in 16 Marfan patients with spine deformity, using MRI and CT scans. The morphology of 140 vertebrae from T1 to L5 were measured in TDP, using MRI, CT, and X-rays. These values were then compared to each other. Comparisons via paired Student’s t-test were made between the concave and convex side of the curve.

Results: On average, …

Can We Predict Dominant Compensatory Curves In Congenital Scoliosis?, Myung-Jin Cha, William Elnemer, Paul D. Sponseller

Research Colloquium

Background: A complication in the natural evolution of congenital scoliosis is the development of a compensatory curve. Congenital curves are often focal and rigid, causing patients to develop a compensatory curve cranial and/or caudal to the congenital anomaly to achieve coronal balance. Therefore, surgeons are faced with the difficult choice of waiting for the patient to reach an appropriate age for surgery or correcting the congenital curve before a compensatory curve develops.

Methods: By searching the Pediatric Spine Study Group database, we identified 307 pediatric patients (age <18) with congenital scoliosis who had preoperative radiographs taken during at least 2 years of natural growth (without bracing or surgery). Of these patients, 17 (5.5%) had a dominant compensatory curve, and 290 had no compensatory curve or one that was smaller than the congenital curve. Of those 290 patients, we randomly selected 100 to serve as a control group, referred to as the nondominant curve cohort. We extracted data on the type of congenital anomaly and its vertebral level, as well as the Cobb angles of the congenital and compensatory curves at initial and latest follow-up. We compared vertebral level and type of congenital anomaly via chi-squared test between the dominant and nondominant curve group.

Results: The congenital anomaly was located at L4 or more caudal in 18% …

Tgf-B Signaling Pathways In The Development Of Diabetic Retinopathy, Andrew Callan, Sonal Jha, Laura Valdez, Lois F. Baldado, Andrew Tsin

Research Colloquium

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a prevalent complication of diabetes mellitus affecting a significant portion of the global population, has long been viewed primarily as a microvascular disorder. However, emerging evidence suggests that it should be redefined as a neurovascular disease with multifaceted pathogenesis rooted in oxidative stress and advanced glycation end products. The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling family has emerged as a major contributor to DR pathogenesis due to its pivotal role in retinal vascular homeostasis, endothelial cell barrier function, and pericyte differentiation. However, the precise roles of TGF-β signaling in DR remain incompletely understood, with conflicting reports on its …

Gastrointestinal Bleed In The Context Of Hemophilia A In An Incarcerated Patient In The Rio Grande Valley, Cameron B. Caldwell, Hector Trejo, Andres Suarez-Parraga

Research Colloquium

Background: Hemophilia A, the most common X-linked hereditary hemostasis disorder, has an incidence of approximately 1 in 5600 male live births worldwide. It results from a deficiency of clotting factor VIII, crucial for fibrin generation in the coagulation cascade, leading to inadequate fibrin generation and defective secondary hemostasis. Hemophilia can cause life-threatening bleeding, characterized as severe (< 1% factor VIII activity), moderate (2-5%), or mild (6-40%). Social determinants of health pose significant challenges in managing hemophilia in underserved populations. This case presents gastrointestinal bleeding in a mild hemophilia A patient in the Rio Grande Valley.

Case Presentation: A 24-year-old Hispanic male with mild hemophilia A presented with a three-day history of melena, headaches, dizziness, and mild abdominal discomfort. Despite recent normal colonoscopy and EGD results, he had a history of intermittent black stool episodes. On admission, …

Systemic Biology Approach Linking Type 2 Diabetes And Depression In A Rio Grande Valley Family Study Population, Cameron B. Caldwell, Eron Manusov, Vincent P. Diego, Ana C. Leandro, Sandra Laston, John Blangero, Sarah Williams-Blangero, Marcio Almeida

Research Colloquium

Background: Type 2 diabetes and depression are major public health concerns that disproportionally impact Mexican Americans. Prevalence of T2D and depression have been estimated as high as 30% and 40%, respectively in Mexican American populations along the Texas-Mexico border. While the interaction between these two phenotypes is well documented, the underlying genetic basis of this interaction remains unclear. Our aims for this project were to identify genes co-expressed in type 2 diabetes and depression to dissect the interaction correlations between both conditions by means of a functional gene expression correlation network.

Methods: A total of 528 Mexican American participants from …

Increased Risk Of Stroke In Hispanic Patients With Multiple Sclerosis?: A Case Report And Literature Review On Multiple Sclerosis In The Rio Grande Valley., Antoinette Burrell, Chantal Uzoma, Desiree Brewer, Naya Williams, Victoria Elizondo, Erica Burrell-Walker, Kelsey Baker

Research Colloquium

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) and stroke share a common pathogenesis that contributes to mortality and disability in patients in both developed and developing countries. MS and stroke have similar risk factors, however, the relationship between ethnicity and disease co-occurrence is unclear. Here, we describe a case report of disease co-occurrence in a Hispanic patient in the Rio Grande Valley and present a literature review on evidence suggesting an increased risk of stroke in Hispanic patients with multiple sclerosis.

Method: Relevant studies were systematically searched in PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar dated from January 2013 up to April 2024 that contained …

Rime: A New Spin On A More Familiar Infection, Ilana Bresky, Kristi Soileau Dds, Med, Mshce, Facd, Ficd

New Orleans Dental Association News

Dental professionals should become familiarized with Reactive Infectious Mucocutaneous Eruption, or RIME, which presents with erosive mucositis typically affecting two or more mucous membranes, frequently in the oral cavity, and oftentimes is accompanied by skin lesions or rash.

‘RIME’ is a relatively new term that was initially designated strictly to the category of MIRM (Mycoplasma-induced rash and mucositis). In 2018, however, the term RIME was adopted to distinguish patients whose mucocutaneous eruption arose from other various respiratory-related illnesses.

Potential Impact Of Expanded Carrier Screening On The Incidence Of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy In Neonates, Desiree Brewer, Richard Parad, Yvonne Sheldon, Francisca Coyne

Research Colloquium

Background: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), the most common form of muscular dystrophy is associated with a 25 year life expectancy and occurs in 1 in 5,000 male births. At Brigham and Women’s Hospital over 18,000 infants have undergone newborn screening (NBS) for DMD without a positive result. We identified a case where a DMD carrier mother (detected through pre-pregnancy expanded carrier screening (ECS), underwent assisted reproductive technology that led to implantation of an embryo confirmed to be DMD negative. To test the hypothesis that ECS that included DMD might decrease the incidence of DMD through reproductive planning, we …

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

Research Colloquium

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

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

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

Research Colloquium

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

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

Research Colloquium

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

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

Necrotic Lung Tumor Mimicking Primary Pulmonary Abscess On Computed Tomographic Imaging Study In A Dyspneic Dog, Mihyun Choi, Namsoon Lee

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

A 14-year-old spayed female Shih-Tzu dog was evaluated for a 1-month history of progressive coughing. Results of the complete blood count and serum biochemistry panel indicated inflammation. Thoracic radiography showed pleural effusion, and cytology revealed septic pyothorax. After antibiotics medication, the patient improved clinical signs but relapsed pleural effusion with a suspicious lung lesion. Computed tomography (CT) of the thorax showed a cavitary lesion with ring-enhanced irregular walls and poorly defined margins in the left cranial lung lobe. The main differential diagnosis considered was lung abscess, but the histopathological diagnosis was necrotic lung adenocarcinoma. This case suggests that both a …

Global Prevalence And Zoonotic Potential Of Cryptosporidiosis In Camels (Camelus Dromedarius): Systematic Meta-Analysis, Mohamed Marzok, Hussein Babiker, Mohamed Tharwat, Sabry El-Khodery

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

In this study, meta-analysis on prevalence and zoonotic significance of cryptosporidium infection in camels was performed. This study was completed following the instructions of PRISMA. Data were extracted afterward a complete search, and eligible articles were identified. The data were analyzed using a specific software program for meta-analysis, and the results included effect size, confidence intervals (CI), heterogeneity, and publication bias. A total of 4075 camels from 18 accepted studies were investigated for cryptosporidium infection. Of all, 287 camels were found positive for cryptosporidium infection, with a prevalence of 7.04%. The prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in camels varied significantly among …

Leo-Trap: Application Of The Lethal Ovitrap For Controlling Vectors Of Dengue Fever In Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, Suttida Suwannayod, Usavadee Thavara, Navy Srivarom, Payu Bhakdeenuan, Apiwat Tawatsin, Padet Siriyasatien

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Mosquito-borne diseases transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes in Thailand, including dengue hemorrhagic fever, chikungunya, and Zika viruses, are major health concerns. To address this, the LeO-Trap is an ovitrap with the potential for controlling disease vectors. This research aimed to assess the effectiveness of the LeO-Trap in a high-risk urban area in Chiang Mai province, Thailand. The study area chosen, due to the number of dengue cases, encompassed two villages in Mae Rim district, each with over 100 homes. From May to July 2021, four LeO-Traps were deployed in every home - two indoors and two outdoors. Ovitrap Index (OI) and …

Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus: First Identification In Eastern Algeria Based On Direct Immunofluorescence And Elisa Tests, Imene Abdelmalek, Bakir Mamache, Amine Boudaoud, Yacine Khanfri

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is the main agent of the bovine respiratory disease complex (BRD). Its circulation among the Algerian bovine population has been strongly suspected but never confirmed. This study investigated the prevalence of BRSV in cattle in eastern Algeria. From 2022 to 2023, a total of 225 serum and 102 lung tissue samples were collected from farms and slaughtered cattle of different ages. Samples were tested for BRSV antibodies by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and BRSV antigens by Direct Immunofluorescence Test (DFAT). Histopathological examination was also performed on lung tissue sections. BRSV-specific antibodies were detected in 91.11% …

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

Research Colloquium

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

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

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

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

Research Colloquium

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

Case Presentation: A …

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

Research Colloquium

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

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

Research Colloquium

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

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

Research Colloquium

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

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

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

Research Colloquium

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

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

Research Colloquium

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

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

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

Research Colloquium

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

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

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

Research Colloquium

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

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

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

Research Colloquium

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

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

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

Research Colloquium

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

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