Medical Specialties Commons^™

Is Your Cyst Really A Ganglion Cyst? A Case Report Of Angioleiomyoma Mimicking A Plantar Fascia Cystic Lesion, Christopher Anjorin Ms Dpmc, Joseph Bender Dpm

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Ganglion cysts are among the most common benign soft tissue masses encountered in podiatric clinical practice, and their diagnosis is often presumed based on location, clinical observation, and transillumination. However, this case highlights a diagnostic idiosyncrasy: a lesion clinically presumed to be a ganglion cyst within the plantar fascia was ultimately identified as an angioleiomyoma following surgical excision and histopathological evaluation. This finding underscores the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis when assessing cystic lesions, particularly those that transilluminate, as benign vascular tumors may closely mimic more common entities in both clinical presentation and imaging. More importantly, what if …

Adjunctive Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization After Surgical Evacuation Of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: An Updated Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Tallal M. Hashmi, Hafsa Arshad Azam Raja, Zain Tariq, Faizan Ahmed, Niraj Arora, Majid T. Aized, Adeel Saleemi, Ameer E. Hassan, Adnan Qureshi, Osama O. Zaidat

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) has emerged as a promising adjunctive treatment for chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH); however, the efficacy and safety of adjunctive MMAE compared with surgery alone remains uncertain.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception through June 2026. Randomized controlled trials comparing adjunctive MMAE plus surgical evacuation with surgical evacuation alone in patients with cSDH were included. The primary outcome was hematoma recurrence. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were calculated using a random-effects model.

Results: A total of eight randomized controlled trials were included. The …

Bell’S Palsy In Pregnancy Following Covid-19 Infection: A Case Report, Maria Camila Gonzalez Tovar, Abelardo Rodriguez, Oluwatobi Olonisakin, Mounika Kotte, Aramide Tijani

Research Symposium

Background: Bell’s palsy is a peripheral facial nerve paralysis. The development of this is suspected to be a result of viral-induced inflammation, ischemia, immune-mediated mechanisms or idiopathic. Even though it can occur in the general population, pregnancy is a recognized risk factor. The incidence of Bell’s palsy during pregnancy and the postpartum period ranges from 60.5 to 171.6 cases per 100,000 person-years, with about 69% of pregnancy-associated cases occurring in the third trimester or within the first two months postpartum. Emerging evidence has shown an association between COVID-19 infection and an increased risk of Bell’s palsy, with studies demonstrating a …

Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma Arising From Somatic-Type Malignant Transformation Of A Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumor: A Case Report, Abdel Martinez Borrego, Brandon Cantazaro, Fatimah Bello, Christine Vega, Natacha Vargas, Payal Bhakta, Renzo Arauco

School of Medicine Publications

Somatic-type malignant transformation (STM) is a rare but aggressive complication of nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs), most commonly arising from the teratomatous component and frequently occurring in metastatic sites. We report the case of a man in his 20s with a history of mixed NSGCT (50% yolk sac tumor, 40% teratoma, and 10% embryonal carcinoma) treated with left orchiectomy and chemotherapy in 2023, who initially responded to treatment but was subsequently lost to follow-up. He presented with one week of progressive dyspnea and pleuritic left-sided chest pain. Serum alpha-fetoprotein was markedly elevated at 2,966.7 ng/mL. Computed tomography demonstrated a progressive …

Bridging The Dermatology Divide: A Literature Review Of Artificial Intelligence–Enabled Point-Of-Care Tools For Skin Cancer Detection In Primary Care, Jared Hensley, Smaran Marupudi, Maria Villegas

School of Medicine Publications

The United States faces a critical dermatology workforce shortage, with more than 60% of counties lacking specialist access. Primary care providers (PCPs) are often tasked with managing suspicious skin lesions but demonstrate lower diagnostic accuracy than dermatologists. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools offer potential solutions, and meta-analytic evidence demonstrates that AI assistance improves PCP sensitivity by 13 percentage points and specificity by 11 percentage points. Yet only 1 Food and Drug Administration–authorized device (January 2024) is cleared for nondermatologist use in the United States. This device achieves 96% sensitivity but only 21% specificity, meaning most positive results are false alarms. A …

A Rare Sight: Isolated Third Nerve Palsy As The Sole Presentation Of A Non-Functional Pituitary Adenoma, Jorge A. Aboytes, Jose J. Loayza, Ivan Mogollon, Ismael Cantu

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Hypopituitarism results from insufficient pituitary hormone production, often due to adenomas—accounting for ~15% of intracranial tumors. Non-functional adenomas, typically affecting older adults, may present with visual field deficits, headaches, or cranial nerve palsies when extending into the cavernous sinus. Isolated oculomotor (third nerve) palsy is a rare initial manifestation.

Case: A 46-year-old man with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes presented with acute right-sided headache, diplopia, ptosis, and right leg weakness. He had right ptosis, a fixed dilated pupil, facial droop, and right leg weakness. Given concern for stroke, he received thrombolytic therapy with partial leg improvement, but persistent diplopia and …

Beyond The Clot: A Rare Case Of Extensive Dvt And Pulmonary Embolism Revealing May-Thurner Syndrome, Jorge A. Aboytes, Jose J. Loayza, Ivan Mogollon, Daniel Pena, Michelle Lopez

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in young adults is uncommon and typically associated with identifiable risk factors. In cases where DVT occurs without apparent provocation, congenital anatomical anomalies should be considered. May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS), a vascular compression disorder involving the left iliac vein, is a frequently overlooked cause of iliofemoral DVT in young individuals, particularly women.

Case Presentation: A 28-year-old woman with no significant medical history presented with acute left leg swelling, pain, and discoloration, along with new-onset dyspnea and chest discomfort. She had recently transitioned to a contraceptive patch and reported reduced mobility due to fatigue. Imaging confirmed left …

Miconazole As A Repurposed Anticancer Candidate For Prostate Cancer, Eswara Naga Hanuma Kumar Ghali, Lindsey Shim, Rajasekhar Baru, Anupam Dhasmana, Ryan Chang, Sung Yun Jung, Rahul Tiwari, Neeraj Chauhan, Vivek K. Kashyap, Sheema Khan, Diane Nguyen, Subhash C. Chauhan, Murali Mohan Yallapu

School of Medicine Publications

Prostate cancer is one of the major health concerns, with increasing incidence and persistent therapeutic resistance worldwide. Despite various available treatments (radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, cryotherapy, biological therapy, and high-intensity focused ultrasound), patients still show treatment-related side effects over many years. These challenges highlight the urgent need for novel and safe therapeutic strategies. In the present study, we repurposed five FDA-approved antifungal agents, namely natamycin (NM), terbinafine hydrochloride (TH), ketoconazole (KZ), miconazole (MZ), and clotrimazole (CZ), as they can modulate conserved cellular processes, including sterol metabolism and mitochondrial function, which are increasingly recognized as critical determinants of cancer cell …

Global Disparities In Neurosurgical Literature: A Narrative Review Of Underrepresentation Of Low- And Middle-Income Countries And Pathways To Research Equity, Tirath Patel, Naveed Ahmad, Abbas Hussain, Bisma Faraz, Amna Binte Naeem, Urooj Sheraz, Laiba Noor, Saleha Khan, Muhammad Seerat Ali, Nikhilesh Anand

School of Medicine Publications

The global neurosurgical literature is dominated by high-income countries, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) contributing minimally despite bearing the most significant share of the neurosurgical disease burden. Underrepresentation limits equitable knowledge dissemination and the relevance of guidelines. The objective of this review was to assess neurosurgical publication disparities, identify deterrents to LMIC participation, and outline initiatives that foster equity and inclusion in research. This narrative review synthesized evidence on global disparities in neurosurgical literature through a structured search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar (2010–2025). Eligible studies examined research output, authorship trends, publication barriers, or equity initiatives. Findings mapped …

A Prospective Study Of Hyperspectral Imaging For Lower Extremity Tissue Assessment In Normative And At-Risk Populations, Jessica Sima, Mariana Rodriguez, Stephanie Campbell, Amanda Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Introduction:  Diabetic foot ulceration and peripheral vascular disease remain major causes of morbidity and limb loss, yet early identification of tissue compromise can be challenging, particularly across diverse skin tones. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a non-invasive technology that quantifies tissue oxygenation by measuring the absorption and reflection of near-infrared light.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between oxygenation, skin tone, skin temperature, and ambient skin temperature in adults with and without risks of foot ulcers.

Method: This ongoing prospective observational study recruits English- and Spanish-speaking adults aged 18 and over from campus, clinics, and community outreach …

Comparative Effectiveness Of Antiseptic And Antibiotic Irrigation Versus Normal Saline In Infected Total Ankle Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review, Madelaine Adkins, Yahan Wei, Amanda Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Introduction: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a rare but devastating complication following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). Acute infections are commonly managed with debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR), in which irrigation plays a critical role in reducing bacterial burden. Although irrigation protocols have been investigated in total hip and total knee arthroplasty, evidence specific to infected TAA remains unclear. This systematic review evaluated the available literature regarding irrigation practices in the surgical management of infected TAA.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed and Scopus were search for English-language studies published between December 2005 and …

The Role Of Mitochondria In The Pathogenesis Of Parkinson’S Disease, Oyinkansola Mudasiru, Vivian Etugbo, Bhuvana Lakkasetter, Claudia Biguetti, Reginald Adiele

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra that leads to motor and non-motor dysfunctions. Emerging evidence highlights mitochondrial dysfunction as a key factor in PD pathogenesis. This project aims to investigate the pathophysiology of PD, highlighting the involvement of oxidative stress, and examining current and emerging therapeutic approaches aimed at restoring mitochondrial function.

Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar within the 2004-2024 date range. Keywords included “Parkinson’s disease”, “mitochondrial dysfunction", “oxidative stress”, and neurodegeneration”. Data was extracted regarding …

A Perfect Storm In Advanced Aids: Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome From Pneumocystis Jirovecii And Mycobacterium Avium Complex Coinfection, Abdel Martinez, Abelardo Rodriguez, Conrad Chouinard, Fatimah Bello

School of Medicine Publications

Advanced HIV infection is associated with profound immunosuppression, predisposing patients to opportunistic infections such as Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) and Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). PJP can cause severe respiratory disease, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), while disseminated MAC may contribute to systemic illness and pulmonary complications. Concurrent infection with both pathogens is uncommon but may precipitate severe pulmonary failure. A man in his 40s presented with unintentional weight loss, fatigue, oral thrush, and progressive dyspnea. On arrival, oxygen saturation was 86% on room air, requiring high-flow nasal cannula. Laboratory evaluation revealed profound immunosuppression (CD4 7 cells/mm3, HIV RNA 123,000 …

Clinicopathologic Spectrum Of Renal Disease In Sars-Cov-2 Infection And Post-Covid-19 Vaccination, Naya Williams, Mohammed S. Razzaque

School of Medicine Publications

Both SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination have been associated with renal complications. In the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection, kidney injury is primarily attributed to a complex interplay of systemic immune dysregulation and vascular damage. Severe infection triggers a cytokine-mediated inflammatory response characterized by elevated levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, resulting in systemic hemodynamic instability, increased capillary permeability, and renal hypoperfusion, ultimately leading to acute tubular injury. In addition, virus-induced endothelial activation promotes a prothrombotic state, microvascular injury, and further impairment of renal perfusion. Collectively, these processes converge to produce acute kidney injury (AKI) and, in severe or prolonged cases, may contribute …

High Burden Of Elevated Fib-4 In Metabolically At-Risk Primary Care Patients: Simple Predictors To Guide Hepatic Fibrosis Triage, Ridwan Ademola Lawal, Fatimah Bello, Rashmee Patil, Juliana Yang

Research Symposium

Background: Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), including metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH), is a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Current guidelines recommend fibrosis-based risk stratification using noninvasive tools such as the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index in patients with metabolic risk factors, followed by secondary assessment (e.g., transient elastography or enhanced liver fibrosis(ELF) testing) for those with elevated scores. However, data on the real-world prevalence of elevated FIB-4 in U.S. primary care populations, particularly in safety-net settings, and the downstream implications for fibrosis evaluation remain limited. We aimed to quantify the burden of elevated FIB-4 in a primary care setting …

Perspective On Lessons Not Learned: From Coley’S Toxins To Microbial Drug Delivery, Guidance For Institutional Review Boards (Irbs), Brian P. Hanley, Alejandro J. Betancourt, Gustavo Gross, Wilbur (Bo) Bowne

School of Medicine Publications

The bacterial and toxin methods of cancer treatment date back 130 years. This paradigm rests on nonspecific bacterial-toxin-generated immunotherapy. This high-risk oncology research is experiencing a renaissance of methods that are among the most effective yet. Glioblastomas and other resistant cancers are the modern touchpoint, because of remission history following sepsis. Spurred by recent research deaths, we discuss protocols IRBs should consider in live bacterial or synthetic immuno-stimulatory trials. Human systemic inflammatory response syndrome immunology is unique due to non-functioning SIGLEC-13 and 17, which control excessive Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) signaling. This is not a technicality like human CD8+/CD4+ T …

Hepatitis B In The Vaccine Era: Persistent Burden And Clinical Implications, Cherechi Nwabueze, Eunice Omeludike, Ridwan Ademola Lawal, Kedife Nwabueze

School of Medicine Publications

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a leading global cause of advanced liver disease and imposes a substantial economic burden. Early prevention is critical, as perinatally acquired HBV carries a high risk of progression to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatitis B vaccination has been proven effective in preventing cancer, yet coverage of the complete vaccine series remains suboptimal. This implementation gap perpetuates the clinical burden, manifesting decades later as hepatic decompensation and liver cancer. This narrative review synthesizes the current HBV landscape, highlighting how gaps in vaccination policy and delivery contribute to real-world gastrointestinal outcomes. By reframing HBV vaccination …

Endovascular Thrombectomy In Medium And Distal Vessel Occlusions: A Focused Guideline From The Society Of Vascular And Interventional Neurology Guidelines And Practice Standards Committee, Shahram Majidi, Amol Mehta, Sami Al-Kasab, Kaustubh Limaye, Adam A. Dmytriw, Adam De Havenon, Farhan Siddiq, Robin Novakovic, Alexandra L. Czap, Ameer E. Hassan

School of Medicine Publications

Background: The authors present an overview of the current evidence and management recommendations for evaluation and treatment of adults with acute ischemic stroke from distal- and medium-vessel occlusion (DMVO) for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). The intended audiences are prehospital care providers, physicians, and allied health professionals.

Methods: The Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology Guidelines and Practice Standards committee formed a writing group to conduct a structured literature review on EVT for DMVO-related acute ischemic stroke and to draft practice recommendations in accordance with the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology Guidelines and Practice Algorithm. A structured literature search was conducted …

Interaction Of Mitochondrial Bioenergetics With Nephropathy And Hepatic Insufficiency In Diabetic/ Obesity C57bl/6 Mouse Model, Oyinkansola Mudasiru, Vivian Etugbo, Bhuvana L. Chandrashekar, Reginald Adiele, Ramiro Cisneros

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Introduction/Purpose: Obesity has become an epidemic with over six million adult individuals affected by this metabolic condition, and it is associated with over 40% of deaths worldwide. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major cause of kidney disease globally and it is a major cause of mortalities associated with diabetes. In DKD, impaired glucose regulation results in hyperglycemia-induced metabolic dysfunction that culminate in abnormal energy utilization and mitochondrial dysfunction and play critical role in the pathogenesis of DKD. Incidentally, mitochondrial functions and dynamics are impaired in liver insufficiencies of multiple origins. Prevention of triglyceride and lipotoxic accumulations by hepatic mitochondria …

Sex-Based Differences In Clinical Outcomes Among Cardiogenic Shock Patients Treated With Mechanical Circulatory Support, Emmanuel Olumuyide, Ju Young Bae, Rongras Damrongwatanasuk, Ezaz Rahman, Barbara Malaga-Espinoza, Jiun-Ruey Hu, S. Elissa Altin

School of Medicine Publications

Despite advances in therapies, cardiogenic shock (CS) remains associated with high mortality rates, often necessitating mechanical circulatory support (MCS) to preserve end-organ perfusion. Despite increasing rates of MCS utilization, less is known about sex-related differences in clinical outcomes to guide practice. Additionally, standardized management protocols for CS patients requiring MCS that account for sex differences are lacking. In this study, we evaluate sex-specific outcomes in CS patients requiring MCS, examine patterns of MCS utilization by sex, and further stratify clinical outcomes by sex across the overall CS cohort, including the acute myocardial infarction-related CS (AMI-CS), acute heart failure-related CS (AHF-CS), …

Two Decades Of Progress In The Prevention And Treatment Of Colorectal Cancer: From Aspirin To Targeted Therapy, Lovyanne Vergel De Dios, Salique Hassan Shaham, Puneet Vij, Manish Kumar Tripathi

School of Medicine Publications

No abstract provided.

Comparing The Effect Of Oral And Transdermal Estrogen Therapy On Lipid Profile In Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Clinical Trials, Mohamed Doma, Jose J. Loayza Pintado, Aria Atwal, Angelica Lopez Jesus, Farhaan Zahrawi, Ibrahim Saleh, Ahmed El Gammal, Zeyad Maharm, Adham Galal Ramadan, Benito Vlassis, Mustafa Shafeeq Ali, Mohammad Khodr Aljamali, Ralph Pandey, Mounira Mefti, Merhan Badran, Muaaz Aslam, Anuj Subedi, Jaffer Shah, Hani Aiash

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Menopause is associated with significant physiological changes, including alterations in lipid profiles. Estrogen therapy plays a crucial role in managing symptoms and preventing long-term complications. This study aims to compare oral and transdermal routes of estrogen therapy among postmenopausal women and assess changes in lipid parameters from baseline.

Methods: Randomized clinical trials comparing oral and transdermal estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women were identified through searches in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Pooled mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Statistical analysis was conducted using R version 4.3.2.

Results: Eight randomized …

Cardiovascular Response Patterns To Oral Versus Transdermal Estrogen Therapy In Postmenopausal Women, Mohamed Doma, Jose J. Loayza Pintado, Aria Atwal, Angelica Lopez Jesus, Farhaan Zahrawi, Ibrahim Saleh, Ahmed El Gammal, Zeyad Maharm, Adham Galal Ramadan, Benito Vlassis, Mustafa Shafeeq Ali, Mohammad Khodr Aljamali, Ralph Pandey, Mounira Mefti, Merhan Badran, Muaaz Aslam, Anuj Subedi, Jaffer Shah, Hani Aiash

Research Colloquium

Introduction: The comparative effects of oral versus transdermal estrogen therapy on cardiovascular parameters in postmenopausal women remain incompletely understood. This analysis aimed to evaluate blood pressure and heart rate responses between administration routes.

Methods: A systematic review of randomized trials comparing oral and transdermal estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women was conducted. Primary outcomes included changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to calculate pooled mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results: Analysis of 8 randomized trials (N=885) showed no significant differences between oral and transdermal routes in mean …

Survival Outcomes And Tumor Site Distribution By Molecular Subtype In Breast Cancer Patients Under 40, Muhammad Noorani, Shubhank Goyal, Sierra Viduarri, Aura Calderon, Christine Pham, Shweta Singh, Mutaaz Ahmed, Anupam Dhasmana, Swati Dhasmana, Murali Yallapu, Shubash Chauhan, Diane Nguyen, Sidketa Fofana, Sheema Khan

Research Symposium

Background: Screening guidelines for breast cancer typically begin at age 40, leaving younger women at risk for delayed detection. The survival outcomes and tumor site patterns by subtype in this younger population remain underexplored. Our analysis leverages comprehensive national data to fill this critical knowledge gap, offering one of the most detailed evaluations to date of molecular subtype distribution, prognostic disparities, and anatomical presentation in women under 40.

Methods: Using the SEER 18 registry, we identified 5,026 female patients diagnosed under age 40 with invasive breast cancer in 2018. This year was selected for the most recent data available on …

Severe Cold Agglutinin Hemolytic Anemia Secondary To Mycoplasma Pneumoniae And Epstein-Barr Virus Co-Infection In An Elderly Patient, Aura Mc Calderon, Jose Loayza, Luis Salcedo, Ivan Mogollon, Asmik Asatrian

Research Symposium

Introduction: Cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is an uncommon, complement-mediated hemolysis typically driven by IgM autoantibodies; secondary forms are often infection-related. Severe, transfusion-refractory presentations are rare in older adults. We present an elderly patient with Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Epstein–Barr virus co-infection complicated by life-threatening cold agglutinin hemolysis.

Case report: Upon admission, a 79-year-old male patient presented with a one-week history of fatigue, pyrexia, nasal congestion, and dyspnea; examination findings revealed pallor, bibasilar crackles, and mild splenomegaly. Laboratory investigations indicated the presence of severe hemolytic anemia accompanied by compensatory reticulocytosis and thrombocytosis (hemoglobin 5.5 g/dL, hematocrit 17.2%, MCV 100 fL, reticulocytes …

Iptacopan-Responsive Pnh With Pancytopenia: Hematologic Normalization And Dose Adjustment For Transaminitis, Aura Mc Calderon, Jose Loayza, Francisco Arias, Catherine Matos, Bharat Peddinani, Diane Nguyen

Research Symposium

Introduction: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a clonal hematopoietic stem-cell disorder driven by loss of GPI-anchored complement regulators (CD55, CD59), leading to complement-mediated intravascular hemolysis, cytopenias, and thrombosis. We report a new PNH diagnosis in a young woman with severe pancytopenia who achieved hematologic improvement on oral iptacopan, requiring dose adjustments for mild liver enzyme elevation.

Case Report: On February 27, 2025, a 38-year-old female patient exhibited symptoms of progressive fatigue, dyspnea, and jaundice. Initial laboratory assessments indicated the presence of severe hemolytic anemia accompanied by pancytopenia, hemoglobin level recorded at 4.7 g/dL, white blood cell count at 1.6×10³/µL (absolute …

Expression And Functional Significance Of The G Protein–Coupled Estrogen Receptor (Gper) In Breast Cancer Subtypes, Sierra E. Vidaurri, Shweta Singh, Valerie E. Ledezma, Rajasekhar Baru, Emma Garza, Francisco Flores, Muhammad Noorani, Shubhank Goyal, Aura Calderon, Alexander Lim, Anupam Dhasmana, Swati Dhasmana, Murali Yallapu, Subhash Chauhan, Diane Nguyen, Sheema Khan

Research Symposium

Background: The G protein–coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) mediates rapid non-genomic estrogen signaling and has been implicated in breast cancer progression and aggressiveness. However, its expression patterns across molecular subtypes and its direct functional contribution to tumor behavior remain incompletely defined. The objective of this study was to comprehensively characterize GPER expression in breast cancer tissues and to functionally validate its role in regulating tumor cell proliferation and migration using genetic modulation approaches.

Methods: GPER expression was evaluated in breast cancer cell lines and patient tumor tissues using immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blotting, and RT-PCR. Tumors were classified into Luminal A, Luminal …

Clinical Outcomes In Neutropenic Fever At A South Texas Community Hospital In Hispanic Patients., Bharat K. Peddinani, Aura Calderon, Ramon Elizondo-Romo, Elizabeth Mills-Reyes, Everardo Cobos

Research Symposium

Background: Febrile neutropenia (FN) remains a high-acuity complication of myelosuppressive chemotherapy, yet outcomes in Hispanic patients—particularly in South Texas—are underrepresented. We compared outcomes of FN admissions among Hispanic adults with solid tumors versus hematologic malignancies at a community hospital in the Rio Grande Valley.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult hospital admissions for FN from January 2022 through January 2025. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years, FN documented in the emergency department, active chemotherapy for a solid or hematologic malignancy, and Hispanic ethnicity. Of 139 charts screened, 97 met criteria (46 solid tumors; 51 hematologic malignancies). Primary …

Gper As A Therapeutic Target In Breast Cancer: Pharmacologic Inhibition And Microbiome Associations, Sierra E. Vidaurri, Shweta Singh, Valerie E. Ledezma, Rajesekhar Baru, Emma Garza, Francisco Flores, Muhammad Noorani, Shubhank Goyal, Aura Calderon, Alexander Lim, Anupam Dhasmana, Swati Dhasmana, Murali Yallapu, Subhash Chauhan, Diane Nguyen, Sheema Khan

Research Symposium

Background: The G protein–coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) mediates rapid estrogen signaling that promotes proliferation, migration, and therapeutic resistance in breast cancer, including in hormone receptor–negative subtypes. Notably, standard endocrine therapies may inadvertently activate GPER, highlighting the need for direct targeting of this pathway. The objectives of this study were to evaluate GPER as a therapeutic target using pharmacologic modulators and to determine how GPER-driven tumor behavior relates to tumor microbiome composition across breast cancer subtypes.

Methods: Breast cancer cell lines representing Luminal A (MCF7), Luminal B (BT474), HER2-enriched (SKBR3), and triple-negative (HCC38, MDA-MB-453, MDA-MB-231) subtypes were treated with Ormeloxifene (ORM). …

When A Pain Crisis Isn’T Only A Crisis: Delayed Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction With Hyperhemolysis In Adult Sickle Cell Disease., Bharat K. Peddinani, Conrad Chouinard, Aura Calderon, Maria I. Lopez, Diane Nguyen

Research Symposium

Introduction: Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) is frequently mistaken for vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) or evolving acute chest syndrome (ACS). New alloantibodies may be absent or delayed, so reflex transfusion can worsen hemolysis. Programs now emphasize routine post-transfusion surveillance and a protocolized, transfusion-sparing response when DHTR is suspected.

Case Presentation: A 35-year-old man with hemoglobin SS SCD, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and recurrent priapism presented with severe left-leg pain two weeks after receiving two units of packed red blood cells for pre-operative optimization. Baseline hemoglobin (Hb) was ~6 g/dL; he was off disease-modifying therapy. …