Medical Specialties Commons^™

The Influence Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Spinal Cord Injury Prevalence And Cause Of Injury In Texas: A Four-Year Retrospective Analysis, Blake C. Martin, Daniel Salinas, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Background: COVID-19 was the most significant medical issue since the Spanish Flu and was declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Current literature states that during the COVID-19 pandemic, in which about 10% of the global population was affected, there was a decrease in the frequency of trauma injuries observed in the clinic. Of note, spinal cord injury (SCI) has been suggested to show changing epidemiology from the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, a study in Scotland has suggested that the cause of SCI was significantly influenced during the pandemic, with an increase in self-harm. Such epidemiological changes may influence economic …

Various Bone Disorders Affecting The Rio Grande Valley, Blake C. Martin, Justin Z. Heckman, Manoj Peiris

Research Symposium

Background: The underserved community that is the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), has a distinct demographic profile, with a high prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity, that warrants investigation of various health issues. The main objective of our study was to analyze the demographic disparities between osteoporosis, osteomalacia, rickets, Paget bone disease, and osteonecrosis in the RGV. We hypothesized that the frequency of osteoporosis would be the most common bone condition (of those analyzed) in the Rio Grande Valley and that the demographics between the various bone conditions would vary depending on age, sex, BMI, and ethnicity …

Joint Involvement In A Psoriasis Affected Population In A Medically Underrepresented Region, Blake C. Martin, Jared Hensley, Manoj Peiris

Research Symposium

Background: Psoriatic arthritis is an aggressive condition that may be characterized by compromised quality of life and significant morbidity. The prevalence of psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis is around 1.7% at 5 years, 3.1% at 10 years, 5.1% at 20 years, and 20.5% at 30 years which shows an increase in joint involvement with increasing age, at least until the age of 30. The objective of this study was to explore joint involvement in psoriatic patients in this region and determine what are the demographic disparities in Psoriatic patients regarding joint involvement. We hypothesized that individuals with psoriasis between …

Gout Versus Pseudogout In The Medically Underserved Rio Grande Valley, Blake C. Martin, Fernando Cisneros, Kristina Vatcheva

Research Symposium

Background: Gout and pseudogout are inflammatory joint conditions, with gout being one of the most prevalent etiologies of chronic inflammatory arthritis in the United States. The patient population in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) has a distinct demographic profile that warrants exploration of various health conditions. The primary objective of this study is to compare the frequencies of gout and pseudogout in the Rio Grande Valley to national frequencies and determine if there were demographic disparities between Gout and Pseudogout in this community. We hypothesized that the frequency gout and pseudogout would be higher in the RGV compared to the …

Demographic And Clinical Characterization Of Bone Metastases And Primary Malignant Bone Neoplasia In The Rio Grande Valley, Blake C. Martin, Neharika Penmetcha, Aun Bangash, Juan Lopez Alvarenga

Research Symposium

Background: The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is a developing clinical research region characterized by its distinctive demographic profile that offers an opportunity to investigate diverse health issues. This pilot investigation seeks to identify the characteristics of patients diagnosed with bone metastasis and primary malignant bone neoplasia (PMBN) in the RGV. The main objective was to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics linked to bone metastases and PMBN in patients from the Rio Grande Valley. We hypothesized that older age and higher BMI individuals would have greater frequency of metastatic lesions compared to PMBN.

Methods: Data was gathered from the …

Demographic And Clinical Characteristics Of Patients With Benign Bone Tumors: Evidence Of Bimodal Age Distribution In A Hispanic Population, Blake C. Martin, Mohammad Khalil, Juan Lopez Alvarenga

Research Symposium

Background: As far as researchers know, there’s no way to prevent BBTs from forming. Although these tumors generally do not metastasize, they can still be dangerous as they may grow and compress healthy tissues and lead to poor outcomes. The principal objective was to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics linked to BBTs in individuals from the Rio Grande Valley. We hypothesized that older age, males, and higher BMI individuals would have greater frequency of BBTs.

Methods: This was a retrospective chart review and IRB approval was obtained prior to starting this study. We obtained medical charts for individuals who …

Comprehensive Management Of A High-Risk Pregnant Woman With A Meningoendothelial Meningioma: A Case Report, Blake C. Martin, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Anesu Karen Murambadoro, Tirath Patel, Bharathi S. Gadad, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Background: Meningiomas are the most common CNS tumors and are associated with complications including localized neurological impairments, seizures, and reduced quality of life. These tumors have an incidence twice as high in women as in men, increasing with age and peaking in the seventh and eighth decades of life. The main risk factor for developing meningiomas is exposure to ionizing radiation, although research suggests hormones also contribute. The higher incidence in women, presence of hormone receptors in some tumors, and changes during pregnancy, the menstrual cycle, and menopause, suggest a hormonal link. While pregnancy does not increase meningioma incidence, symptoms …

Characterizing Fracture Distribution By Sex, Age, And Body Region: Insights From A Regional Population Study, Blake C. Martin, Jared Hensley, Juan Lopez Alvarenga

Research Symposium

Background: This Rio Grande Valley (RGV) region of South Texas is a unique region that is impoverished and medically underserved. We conducted this study in order to further the knowledge of orthopedics in this unique, medically underserved community. We sought to determine if certain body regions, based on sex and age, were at increased risk for fracture in this population. We hypothesized that females would have increased fracture frequency at older ages while males would have increased fracture frequency at all other ages. We also hypothesized that femur and forearm fractures would be increased in females compared to males.

Methods …

Bone And Joint Infections: A Retrospective Chart Review Of The Medically Underserved Rio Grande Valley, Blake C. Martin, Chloe Harris, Manoj Peiris

Research Symposium

Background: The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is a demographically unique region that is impoverished and medically underserved. Because of its unique patient population, this community may be at increased risk for bone and joint infections and the morbidity and mortality that follows. The goal of this study was to analyze individuals with osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, and periprosthetic joint infections and determine which infectious bone or joint conditions are most prevalent in the Rio Grande Valley and determine if there were any demographic disparities between the various types of bone and joint infections and healthy individuals. We hypothesized that age and …

Association Of Joint Disease With Demographic Factors In Clinical Populations Of The Rio Grande Valley, Blake C. Martin, Devian D. Baez, Juan C. Lopez-Alvarenga

Research Symposium

Background: The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is a medically underserved, demographically unique population that warrants the exploration of various conditions, including joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gout, ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and septic arthritis (SA). We sought to determine the demographic disparities between the different types of common joint conditions in this community. We hypothesized that OA would follow national trends and be the most common joint condition in the Rio Grande Valley. We hypothesized that the demographics between the various joint conditions would vary depending on age, sex, BMI, …

Machine Learning Quantification Of High-Resolution Tissue Microarray (Tma) Image On Muc13 Ihc Analysis, Beibei Huang, Aiko Yamaguchi, Jianbo Wang, Shilpa Sharma, Zhiwen Liu, Henry Charles Manning

Research Symposium

Background High-resolution tissue microarray (TMA) technology allows prompt molecular profiling of multiple tissue specimens, making it ideal for analyzing candidate biomarkers quickly and effectively [1, 2]. Integrating TMA with digital pathology and machine learning enhances high-throughput, cost-effective studies, offering advanced image analysis and improved diagnostic accuracy. MUC13 (Mucin 13) is a transmembrane glycoprotein frequently overexpressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) [3]. MUC13 contributes to colonic tumorigenesis, progression and metastasis [4, 5], making it an attractive target for antibody-guided radiotheranostics in CRC. This study investigates the expression pattern of MUC13 and its association with patients' clinical characteristics in primary and metastatic CRC …

Acute Heart Failure Secondary To Coxsackie Dilated Cardiomyopathy In An Immunocompetent Adult: A Case Report From A Social Disparities Perspective, Barbara Malaga-Espinoza, Donnel Dockery-Joseph, Jessica Daza, Oscar Lopez, Andres Suarez Parraga

Research Symposium

Introduction: Cardiomyopathies (CM) are defined as myocardial disorders in the absence of coronary artery disease, hypertension, valvular or congenital heart conditions. Dilated CM is characterized by dilation and impaired contraction of one or both ventricles. The prevalence of this condition is underestimated because of variable disease expression and challenging diagnosis. We present the case of an undocumented and immunocompetent patient who debuted with acute heart failure after being exposed to significant environmental stressors.

Case Presentation: A 44-year-old Hispanic gentleman with a history of untreated hypertension presented to the ED with severely persistent left-sided chest pain at rest associated with frontoparietal …

Prognostic Determinants Of Liver And Intrahepatic Bile Duct Carcinomas: A Seer Database Analysis, Aura Calderon, Ivan Mogollon, Everardo Cobos

Research Symposium

Introduction: The incidence of liver and intrahepatic bile duct carcinomas has risen significantly in the United States, necessitating a deeper understanding of survival outcomes and prognostic determinants. This study examines survival rates based on disease stage at diagnosis and explores the influence of demographic factors such as sex, race, ethnicity, and age.

Objectives: The primary objective is to evaluate survival rates stratified by disease stage and demographic variables using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2004 and 2021.

Methods: Data were extracted from the SEER database for patients diagnosed with primary hepatic and intrahepatic bile …

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome: A Current Perspective, Astrid-Ines Foamkom, Maria Sophia Zaraspe Malbas, Kory D. Punch, Victor A. Bob-Yellowe, Allison J. Mcadams, Julia Paz, Karina Zamora, Kelsey Baker, Ihsan Salloum, Ney Alliey-Rodriguez

Research Symposium

Background: Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) is a debilitating neuropsychological condition characterized by the profound loss of thiamine (vitamin B1). The neuropsychological presentation of WKS has been increasingly refined since its discovery in the nineteenth century, leading to a more robust understanding of the condition. In general, it has been shown that WKS causes differ amongst individuals but the main causes for the condition include chronic alcoholism, immunodeficiency, genetic disorders, malnutrition, drug-induced thiamine deficiency, and hyperemesis gravidarum. However, it remains unclear how demographic, environmental, and ethnic differences may influence WKS etiology and severity. Here, we sought to conduct a systematic review of …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

Train Foot: History Of The Migrant Worker, Stephanie N. Campbell, Heather V. Tran, Nikita V. Gambhir, Luis Caporusso

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

Immigrant labor has a long history in the United States, comprised of millions of workers from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds supporting multiple industries from farm work to steel. As of 2019, 25.6% of total migrant workers employed in the Americas [1,2]. Crush injuries or “pinch points” are events when a body part is entangled within machinery or under or between an object [3]. After a series of crush related injuries of young (20s), male Latino patients across Texas to a level 1 trauma center, case review was performed for 2 patients for which follow up could be evaluated. The …

Cilostazol After Endovascular Therapy For Femoropopliteal Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Christian D. Cerecedo, Aaron Silva, Valentine S. Alia, Ana Vargas, Alejandro Garza, Omar El Shazly, Alejandro J. Candil

School of Medicine Publications

Background

Endovascular therapy (ET) outcomes for femoropopliteal peripheral arterial disease (FP-PAD) remain suboptimal. Cilostazol therapy may improve patency rates and decrease major adverse limb events after ET for FP-PAD. Our goal was to analyze published studies evaluating the use of cilostazol after ET for FP-PAD.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL for randomized and observational studies (OSs) evaluating cilostazol therapy after ET for FP-PAD. We only included OSs adjusting for confounding variables. We analyzed observational and randomized studies separately and explored heterogeneity by estimating an I2 statistic. A fixed-effects model was chosen if the I2 statistic was low. If …

Under Pressure: A Rare Presentation Of Crude Oil Injection Injury To The Foot Secondary To Pressure Washer Injury, Stephanie N. Campbell, Heather V. Tran, Nikita V. Gambhir, Connor Krolikowski

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

No abstract provided.

Cardiomyopathies And A Brief Insight Into Dox-Induced Cardiomyopathy, Sampat Singh Tanwar, Sumeet Dwivedi, Sheema Khan, Seema Sharma

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Cardiomyopathy is a heterogeneous group of myocardial disorders characterized by structural and functional abnormalities of the heart muscle. It is classified into primary (genetic, mixed, or acquired) and secondary categories, resulting in various phenotypes including dilated, hypertrophic, and restrictive patterns. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the most common primary form, can cause exertional dyspnea, presyncope, and sudden cardiac death. Dilated cardiomyopathy typically presents with heart failure symptoms, while restrictive cardiomyopathy is rarer and often associated with systemic diseases. Diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation including history, physical examination, electrocardiography, and echocardiography. Treatment options range from pharmacotherapy and lifestyle modifications to implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and …

When Two Doses Make All The Difference: The Case Of Factor V Leiden In A Young Hispanic Male, Alberto Pena, Janetly Reinoso, Liza Salloum, Khiem D. Ngo, Sobia Memon, Johanna Mora

Research Symposium

Background: Recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) causes a substantial burden, particularly when the cause is unclear. Traditionally VTE risks include older age, immobilization, obesity, and malignancy. When VTE recurs in a young patient without these traditional factors, genetics must be considered. Of the inherited thrombophilias, Factor V Leiden (FVL) is the most common. Normally, activated factor V combines with factor X to produce thrombin, leading to clot formation. This process is regulated by activated protein C (APC), which inactivates factor V to stop coagulation. FVL is a single-base point mutation at one of the APC cleavage sites on Factor Va and …

Water Hammer Phenomenon In Coronary Arteries: Scientific Basis For Diagnostic And Predictive Modeling With Acoustic Action Mapping, Khiem D. Ngo, Thach Nguyen, Huan Dat Pham, Hadrian Tran, Dat Q. Ha, Truong S. Dinh, Imran Mihas, Mihas Kodenchery, C. Michael Gibson, Hien Q. Nguyen

School of Medicine Publications

Background: In the study of coronary artery disease, the mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis initiation and progression or regression remain incompletely understood. Our research conceptualized the cardiovascular system as an integrated network of pumps and pipes, advocating for a paradigm shift from static imaging of coronary stenosis to dynamic assessments of coronary flow. Further review of fluid mechanics highlighted the water hammer phenomenon as a compelling analog for processes in coronary arteries. Methods: In this review, the analytical methodology employed a comprehensive, multifaceted approach that incorporated a review of fluid mechanics principles, in vitro acoustic experimentation, frame-by-frame visual angiographic assessments of in …

Investing In Limb Preservation: A Case Report In Avoiding Bilateral Amputation In A Vasculopathy Patient, Stephanie N. Campbell, Craig J. Verdin, Heather V. Tran, Nikita Gambhir

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

Limb salvage and prosthetics play vital roles in restoring function and mobility for patients with severe injuries or metabolic conditions. Limb salvage involves surgical techniques aimed at preserving a limb rather than resorting to amputation, while prosthetics provide artificial devices to replace lost limbs. Key considerations for limb salvage include restoring a functional foot, maintaining patient independence, minimizing hospitalizations, and avoiding bilateral lower limb amputations.

Understanding Hip Pain Through Social Media: An Initial Overview Of An International Web-Based Survey, John M. Gaddis, Erika Shults, Bretton Laboret, Ryan Bialaszewski, Katerina Wells, Charles South, Joel Wells

School of Medicine Publications

Background: We aimed to understand the adult experience of hip pain through a web-based REDCap platform via social media. The purpose of this study was to assess the possibility of collecting patient-reported data through social media in people with hip pain while outlining the contents of the survey and analyzing the demographics of the sample population.

Methods: The survey link was active from October 1, 2023, to May 1, 2024, and available on social media platforms. Respondents provided consent prior to survey participation. Responses were anonymous, and only unique, fully complete surveys were analyzed. The comprehensive hip survey included demographic …

Successful Limb Salvage In A Severe Diabetic Foot Infection: A Case Study Of Aggressive Surgical Intervention And Grafting Technique, Stephanie N. Campbell, Amanda Killeen, Michael Sobolevsky

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

A 53-year-old male with uncontrolled diabetes (A1c 7.9%), housing insecurity, food insecurity presented with severe necrotizing diabetic foot infection with ascending cellulitis, infectious hemorrhagic bullae, multi-compartment abscesses of the foot and anterior leg. It is known that patients with diabetes are at increased risk of both amputation and surgical interventions than patients without diabetes. This patient underwent aggressive surgical intervention to avoid primary below knee amputation.

Collateral Rescue, Arterial Burden: Untreated Takayasu Arteritis And Its Long-Term Complications, Ikwinder Preet Kaur, Steven Morales-Rivera, Victoria Cuello, Gurjit S. Kaeley

School of Medicine Publications

No abstract provided.