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Mothers’ Psychological Control and Accommodation are Associated with More Severe Anxiety in Hispanic Youth
No full textPsychological accommodation and control may help explain the finding that anxiety is more severe and common in Hispanic youth. Research with White samples conceptualizes psychological control as part of an authoritarian parenting style; however, research with Hispanic families suggests that psychological control is more likely to be indicative of a protective parenting style. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that in Hispanic families, psychological control would be related to protective parenting behaviors that ultimately maintain child anxiety. We tested a cross-sectional model hypothesizing that in Hispanic families the link between ethnicity and anxiety would be mediated through psychological control and parental accommodation of child anxiety, a parenting behavior which protects the child from the aversive experiences in the moment but ultimately serves to maintain child anxiety. A sample of mothers (n = 145; 48% Hispanic) and fathers (n = 59; 48% Hispanic) of youth from 8 to 18 years of age completed a survey assessing anxiety and parenting. With Hispanic mothers, the relation between ethnicity (Hispanic/non-Hispanic) and child anxiety was mediated through psychological control and accommodation. With fathers, although control was related to accommodation which, in turn, was related to child anxiety, ethnicity was not associated with control, accommodation, or child anxiety. Findings suggest that the context of parenting behavior should be considered in research, and adaptations of child anxiety treatments should consider ways to allow parents to express their desire to communicate warmth and protectiveness while avoiding negative reinforcement of child anxiety
Bridging Indigenous and Hispanic Knowledge Systems Through Collaborative Panel Discussions: STEM Teachers’ Perceptions of Culturally Sustaining Nature-Based Pedagogy
Full text linkThis paper presents findings from a transformative collaborative panel discussion session at the 2024 STEM Education Conference, examining how nature-based, environmentally conscious, and culturally sustaining science teaching practices implemented at the Umonhon Nation Public School (UNPS) in Nebraska can inform teaching practices in the Rio Grande Valley. The session was co-facilitated by University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Associate Professor Dr. Amanda Morales and UTRGV Assistant Professor Dr. Uma Ganesan. The study combines panel discussion analysis with qualitative survey data from participating STEM educators, providing rich insights into teachers’ perceptions of implementing culturally and linguistically sustaining (CLS) practices in diverse contexts. By integrating insights from panel discussions and post-event survey responses, this research illuminates the challenges and opportunities in adapting Indigenous teaching practices for Hispanic-serving institutions while honoring both cultural contexts
The Prevalence and Impact of Extrarenal Involvement in Fibromuscular Dysplasia: A Systematic Review
Full text linkBackground: 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. Keywords used included ( Fibromuscular Dysplasia ) and ( carotid artery or vertebral artery ) and ( arterial dissection or aneurysm or stroke or diagnostic imaging or therapy ). This search yielded 339 results. Exclusion criteria were applied to include only primary research studies. Finally, the inclusion criteria focused on patients with extrarenal Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD), particularly involving carotid or vertebral arteries, and reporting on prevalence, clinical presentation, complications, diagnosis, or management. This process identified 17 articles. Results: Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and related arterial issues, like carotid webs and dissections, carry serious risks for cerebrovascular events and systemic arterial involvement, including the renal, carotid, and vertebral arteries. Carotid webs, an intimal variant of FMD, are strongly linked to recurrent ischemic strokes, with recurrence rates reaching 27.3% at five years under medical management alone, while surgical or stenting interventions effectively prevent recurrences. Novel diagnostic markers, such as S-shaped internal carotid artery curves, were identified as predictors of dissections and underlying FMD. This shows the importance of advanced imaging techniques like 3.0-T MR angiography for accurate diagnosis. Comparisons between carotid artery stenting (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in randomized trials demonstrated both methods effectively reduced stroke risk, with stent design influencing outcomes, particularly procedural hypotension rates. CAS was comparable to CEA when performed by experienced medical professionals in large medical centers. In patients with symptomatic internal carotid elongation due to FMD, surgical correction proved superior to medical therapy, reducing late strokes and carotid occlusions while histology revealed characteristic FMD patterns in over half of the cases. These findings show the necessity of patient specific strategies and the potential benefits of surgical or interventional approaches in reducing recurrence and improving outcomes for patients with FMD. Conclusions: Extrarenal involvement in Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD) is significant, with multisite vascular involvement. Surgical and endovascular treatments improve outcomes in symptomatic cases, reducing stroke recurrence and stabilizing lesions. The data emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to reduce complications such as arterial dissection, aneurysm, and stroke, while identifying areas for further research to enhance patient outcomes
Gut-Spine Connection: Unexplored Pathways to Improving Outcomes in Spinal Health and Disease
Full text linkIntroduction: 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 catabolic conditions such as osteoporosis. According to epidemiological studies, more than 50% of the U.S. population consumes less magnesium than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). This widespread inadequate intake has resulted in a high prevalence of magnesium deficiency across the country. We have analyzed how gut microbiome-targeted therapies, including magnesium supplementation, may improve spinal health and recovery outcomes.
Methods: Using publications from 2010 to 2024, we conducted a comprehensive literature review focusing on PubMed and Google Scholar, searching for key terms such as gut microbiome, gut dysbiosis, spinal injury, probiotics, bone health, “magnesium,” and surgical outcomes. We selected studies that investigated the relationship between the gut microbiome and spinal health, as well as potential interventions to improve recovery.
Results: Spinal injuries significantly disrupt gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis, delayed recovery, and increased systemic inflammation. This disruption affects nutrient absorption, inflammatory cytokine activity, and short-chain fatty acid production, all of which are critical for good bone health. Pre-existing conditions like osteoporosis and inflammatory bowel disease exacerbate these effects, while perioperative antibiotic use worsens microbiota imbalances. Animal studies have demonstrated that interventions like fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and probiotics can restore gut homeostasis, enhance functional recovery, and reduce inflammation in spinal injury models. Furthermore, magnesium supplementation has potential for modulating dysbiosis and supporting bone healing.
Conclusion: Gut microbiome-targeted interventions, including probiotics, FMT, and magnesium supplementation, offer promising strategies to improve recovery outcomes in spinal injury care. Given the widespread magnesium deficiency in the population and its anabolic effects on bone health, integrating nutrient supplementation into recovery plans is crucial. Future research should focus on incorporating these therapies into holistic spinal injury management to optimize patient outcomes
Machine Learning Quantification of High-Resolution Tissue Microarray (TMA) Image on MUC13 IHC Analysis
Full text linkBackground 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\u27 clinical characteristics in primary and metastatic CRC using this integrated approach. The goal is to identify patient populations likely to benefit from a MUC13-targeted radiotheranostics approach.
Methods Colorectal cancer TMAs spotted with 32 cases/96 cores/per slide (primary CRC, n=98) and with 60 cases/120 cores/per slide (liver metastasis, n=120) were provided by MDACC Research Histology Core Laboratory. Immunohistochemical staining (IHC) for MUC13 protein expression in TMAs was performed by avidin-biotin complex (ABC) method. The digital pathology-based quantitative analysis of MUC13 immunoreactivity involves preprocessing TMA IHC images, detecting and classifying cells or stroma, and analyzing cells staining intensity. Cells were detected using an adjusted intensity threshold and a cell expansion parameter. The classification model for tumor, stroma, and background classes was trained using three classifiers: Deep Neural Network (DNN), Random Tree (RT), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN ). The Random Tree was ultimately selected based on a comparison of histological structures. Staining intensity was categorized into four levels, negative, weak, moderate, and strong for calculating the H-score. We correlated the H-score data with patients corresponding survival outcomes to gain deeper insights into prognostic significance.
ResultsThe digital pathology analysis of a high-resolution TMAs images dataset identified 39 primary CRC and 48 liver metastasis patient samples. The H-score analysis revealed significant differences between liver metastases (110.9±35.68, Mean±SD) and primary CRC samples (65.91±56.49, P
Conclusions Digital pathology approach provided accurate and efficient analysis of a high-resolution TMA dataset comprised of over 160 samples. The heterogeneity in H-scores underscores the complexity of tumor biology and the need for personalized cancer management. MUC13 expression shows potential as a prognostic biomarker, with distinct implications for primary CRC and liver metastases
Association of Joint Disease with Demographic Factors in Clinical Populations of the Rio Grande Valley
Full text linkBackground: 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, and ethnicity.
Methods: This was a retrospective chart review, from January 1, 2018 to September 4, 2024, that analyzed medical charts for individuals diagnosed with OA, RA, gout, AS, PA, JIA, and SA. Patients’ charts with these diagnoses were obtained using the ICD-10 diagnosis codes M15-M19 for OA, M05-M06 for RA, M10 or M1A for gout, M45 for AS, L40.5 for PA, M08 for JIA, and M00.8 for SA. We analyzed the data via descriptive statistics and panel regression models.
Results: The average age of participants was 65.7 (SD 12.4) years. The mean BMI was 32.5 (SD 7), which falls into the obese classification. Osteoarthritis was by far the most common diagnosis, accounting for 87% of cases (7,418 patients) who have this diagnosis alone. In regard to ethnicity, Hispanics showed a strong positive association with BMI compared to non-Hispanics (p \u3c 0.001). The largest difference of age was in septic arthritis, with non-Hispanic patients having an adjusted mean age of 71.3 years (95% CI: 57.9, 84.8) compared to 48.2 years (95% CI: 41.8, 54.7) for Hispanic patients, followed by AS, PA, Gout, RA, and OA in no particular order. However, Hispanic patients have a significantly higher adjusted mean age (59.9 years, 95% CI: 57.7, 62.1) than non-Hispanic patients (32.7 years, 95% CI: 16.2, 49.2) for JIA. The associations between BMI and Gout, Osteoarthritis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis are statistically significant, with p-values of 0.015, 0.014, and 0.030, respectively.
Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of targeting obesity and age-related joint conditions in this population, especially in communities with high healthcare needs. Ethnicity being a significant predictor of BMI, especially Hispanic ethnicity, reinforces the importance of focusing on weight management in Hispanic populations with joint diseases and may suggest different patterns of disease onset, healthcare access, or lifestyle factors by ethnicity that could inform culturally tailored interventions such as prophylaxis in the form of lifestyle changes (diet, exercise) or medications
The Rider (2025-02-24)
Full text linkVol. 10, No. 20https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/rider/1267/thumbnail.jp
Quality of Life (QoL) Among Cancer Ostomized Patients – A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Cancer Centre
Full text linkBackground: Cancer treatment often necessitates surgical interventions, including stoma formation (colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy), which significantly impacts a patient\u27s quality of life (QoL). Ostomized patients face a unique set of challenges encompassing physical, psychological, social, and emotional aspects. While numerous studies have investigated these challenges, there is a lack of comprehensive research focusing on the QoL of cancer patients with stomas in India. Understanding the factors influencing the QoL of these patients is critical for developing interventions tailored to their needs. This study aims to evaluate the QoL of cancer patients with ostomies and identify key factors affecting their overall well-being.
Methods:Study Setting: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre (MPMMCC), a leading tertiary cancer care facility in Varanasi, India, specializing in cancer treatment, including ostomy procedures. The study was conducted over three months, from March 1, 2021, to July 31, 2021.
Study Population: The study sample included 100 ostomates, both outpatient and inpatient, from MPMMCC. Participants were adults (18 years or older) who had undergone colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy and were willing to participate in the study. Individuals who were unwilling to participate were excluded.
Sampling Technique: A convenience sampling method was used to recruit participants. All eligible ostomates attending the outpatient and inpatient departments were invited to participate, ensuring diversity in terms of age, gender, and type of surgery. Informed consent was obtained from each participant.
Measures: The City of Hope Quality of Life-Ostomy (COH-QOL-O) questionnaire was used to assess the QoL of the participants. This validated tool evaluates QoL across four domains: Physical Health: Assesses the impact of the ostomy on physical functioning and health. Psychological Well-being: Measures emotional health, including anxiety, depression, and body image. Social Interactions: Evaluates the impact of ostomy on social relationships. Emotional Impact: Examines the emotional consequences of having a stoma, such as self-esteem and general emotional well-being.
Along with QoL assessment, demographic data such as age, sex, type of surgery, and duration of stoma were also recorded.
Data Collection Procedure: Data were collected through structured interviews conducted by a trained research assistant. The COH-QOL-O questionnaire was administered in a private setting to ensure comfort and confidentiality. In cases where participants could not complete the questionnaire independently, assistance was provided. Demographic data were also gathered through a separate form. The interviews lasted approximately 20-30 minutes.
Analytical Procedures: Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and medians) were used for summarizing demographic and QoL data. Inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests for categorical variables and ANOVA for continuous variables, were used to assess the impact of sociodemographic factors on QoL scores. Spearman\u27s rank correlation was used to explore associations between continuous variables. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, with a significance level set at p \u3c 0.05.
Results: The results indicated that QoL among cancer ostomates varied significantly based on sociodemographic factors. Patients who underwent emergency surgeries or had longer durations of stoma experienced significantly lower QoL, particularly in the psychological and social domains. Body image concerns, stoma care challenges, and social stigma were identified as major barriers to emotional and social well-being. Conversely, patients who received comprehensive care, including stoma education and psychological counseling, reported higher QoL scores. Physical challenges related to stoma maintenance and health complications were the primary contributors to lower QoL, while psychological issues such as anxiety and depression also played a critical role in patients\u27 experiences.
Conclusions: This study highlights the significant impact of stoma formation on the QoL of cancer patients. It underscores the need for a holistic approach to care that addresses both the physical and psychological needs of ostomates. Improving stoma care education, providing psychological support, and addressing social stigma are essential for enhancing QoL. Healthcare providers, especially nurses and enterostomal therapists, should be trained to offer comprehensive care that includes not only stoma management but also emotional and social support. Further research is needed to explore interventions that can mitigate the negative effects of stoma surgery and improve the overall well-being of cancer ostomates
Exploring the Association Between Psoriasis and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Literature Review
Full text linkAs the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise in the United States, affecting a significant portion of the population, it is critical to explore its potential connections with other prevalent conditions like psoriasis, as this may influence treatment approaches for diabetes patients in general. This literature review examines the relationship between psoriasis and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), focusing on how these conditions might be interrelated, which is vital for developing comprehensive management strategies that consider both dermatological and metabolic aspects.
Recent studies have shown a strong relationship between psoriasis, metabolic disorders, and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). However, the exact causal mechanism linking psoriasis and T2DM remains unclear. Some studies suggest that chronic inflammation, mediated by TNF-α and other pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 and IL-6, may contribute to both conditions, leading to endothelial dysfunction, altered glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, and hyperkeratosis.
On the other hand, recent research has indicated no direct association between psoriasis and diabetes, suggesting instead that they share common comorbidities such as obesity and smoking.
This literature review aims to examine large-scale studies claiming a direct association between psoriasis and diabetes and evaluate whether these studies have accounted for the influence of shared comorbidity BMI and reassess the validity of the studies’ conclusions
The Various Clinical Presentations of Acute Flaccid Myelitis and Initial Treatment Responses
Full text linkBackground Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) is a neurological disorder primarily affecting children, characterized by sudden muscle weakness or paralysis due to inflammation in the spinal cord\u27s anterior horn cells. Often associated with viral infections, particularly enterovirus D68, AFM presents with variable symptoms and requires specific MRI findings for diagnosis. The CDC began tracking AFM in 2014, noting a biannual spike in cases during late summer, which aligns with an uptick in cases observed this past summer at our tertiary care children\u27s hospital. In 2023, the U.S. reported 18 AFM cases, including three in Texas. Treatment options include intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), high-dose steroids, and plasmapheresis, although there is no definitive evidence supporting the superiority of any treatment. A recent study indicated that most patients experience some level of impairment 12 months post-diagnosis, highlighting the need for effective management and improved understanding of AFM’s long-term impact.
Summary of Cases Patient 1: A 3-year-old girl with no prior medical issues presented in late summer with left upper extremity weakness following a 5-day history of respiratory symptoms. MRI revealed signs consistent with AFM, and the patient tested positive for rhinovirus/enterovirus. She received high dose methylprednisone for five days and physical therapy. By discharge, her strength had improved significantly, with her left hand reaching 4/5 strength. Patient 2: A 2-year-old girl, admitted to the PICU in early fall with sudden onset paralysis, experienced rapid loss of movement in all four extremities. Despite normal MRI findings, her spinal cord MRI showed edema from the skull base to T4. She tested positive for multiple respiratory viruses. She was intubated for eight days and treated with steroids and IVIG. After two weeks, she showed gradual improvement in muscle function and was transferred to a rehabilitation facility. Patient 3: A 2-year-old girl presented in early fall with ascending paralysis, starting with fever and cough. She had difficulty with facial movements and minimal strength in her extremities. MRI of the spinal cord showed mild T2 hyperintensity from C2 to C7. She was intubated for respiratory support and treated with steroids and IVIG. Despite no significant improvement, she underwent plasmapheresis, which had to be stopped due to hypotension. She remained intubated, continuing physical and occupational therapy.
Conclusions This case series highlights the diverse clinical presentations and responses to treatment observed in AFM cases at a tertiary children’s hospital. The patients’ outcomes varied significantly, underscoring the heterogeneous nature of AFM. With no standardized treatment protocol, clinicians must tailor management to each case. While steroids, IVIG, and plasmapheresis are commonly used, none have been proven more effective than the others. This uncertainty emphasizes the need for further research to establish evidence-based guidelines. A multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare providers, researchers, and families is critical for optimizing care and improving long-term outcomes. Future studies should focus on larger patient cohorts to better understand AFM’s clinical course and evaluate treatment efficacy