University Transportation Center for Railway Safety
Scholarworks@UTRGV Univ. of Texas RioGrande ValleyNot a member yet
35333 research outputs found
Sort by
Key Library Resources: Graduate Resources
Get PDFhttps://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/librarydisplayposters/1053/thumbnail.jp
Harambee as a decolonial digital fundraising approach
No full textDeployment of digital crowdfunding platforms, which predominantly are designed in line with Western norms, into Indigenous communities often leads to significant cultural tensions. This study uses the Kenyan Indigenous tradition of Harambee to elucidate how these cultural tensions manifest and are navigated in the context of digital crowdfunding. The study employs a qualitative approach, conducting narrative interviews with individuals experienced in both Harambee and digital crowdfunding within the Kenyan context, to advance our understanding of decolonial digital crowdfunding. The findings reveal significant cultural tensions, including those related to inclusive access, diminished communal engagement and erosion of social capital. These tensions highlight the marginalisation of Indigenous cultures and the reinforcement of colonial tendencies in digital spaces. Additionally, the study uncovers the ingenuity of Indigenous users who are integrating Indigenous knowledge and Harambee norms with digital technologies, to balance cultural sensitivity, strengthen technological inclusivity and preserve their communal values within decolonial digital fundraising. This study advances decolonial scholarship by demonstrating how the integration of both Indigenous and local practices with digital technology not only advances digital decoloniality but also enriches the technology\u27s cultural responsiveness. The findings have practical implications for designing inclusive digital crowdfunding platforms that acknowledge and align with local cultural norms
Clinical Relapse Versus Treatment Failure: The Case for Surveillance for Re-Appearance of Minimal Measurable Disease in Pediatric Patients with Higher Risk B-ALL
Get PDFBackground: Despite significant advancements in the treatment of pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), chemotherapy has reached its end of “intensification” stage despite improvements in supportive care. Moreover, relapse remains a major challenge, particularly in high-risk populations such as adolescents and young adults (AYAs). The definition of threshold for clinical relapse as 25% presence of marrow lymphoblasts was established decades ago, which may be incoherent with current therapeutic strategies and delay the window for timely treatment for relapsed patients. Emerging data suggest that early detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) may offer an opportunity to intervene before clinical relapse, improving patient outcomes. This commentary evaluates the role of MRD surveillance and intervention strategies in addressing treatment failure and relapse in pediatric B-ALL.
Methods: This commentary synthesizes data from cohort studies, clinical trials, and guideline recommendations published between 2018 and 2024. Key studies include reports on the efficacy of MRD-guided therapy (Wang et al., 2020; Cheng et al., 2018), the predictive value of MRDreappearance (Rau et al., 2022; Muffly et al., 2023), and the impact of novel therapies such as blinatumomab and CAR-T cells (Queudeville et al., 2023). Additionally, we review the feasibility of next-generation sequencing (NGS) as a tool for peripheral blood monitoring and discuss clinical guidelines advocating MRD surveillance in pediatric patients, especially AYAs.
Results: Emerging evidence demonstrates that MRD reappearance reliably predicts relapse in pediatric B-ALL, and MRD surveillance has already been incorporated to adult ALL treatment guidelines (Shah et al. 2024; Gökbuget et al. 2024). A study by Wang et al. (2020) revealed that patients with MRD reappearance had significantly worse event-free survival (38.4%) compared to those with continuously negative MRD (88.5%), and an MRD cutoff at 0.15% gives the best discrimination. Additionally, early intervention after MRD reemergence with HSCT has shown significantly higher survival rates and lower rates of relapse (p
Conclusions: Implementing MRD surveillance in pediatric B-ALL may allow for earlier detection of treatment failure, enabling timely interventions with targeted therapies that facilitate a higher likelihood of remission. This strategy holds promise for reducing relapse rates and improving long-term outcomes, particularly in high-risk groups including AYAs. Further prospective studies are needed to establish standardized protocols and refine the use of peripheral blood NGS in routine clinical practice
Unveiling the Pathophysiology of HPV and Cervical Cancer
Get PDFBackground: Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that causes HPV-associated diseases such as vaginal, penile, cervical, and oropharyngeal cancer. Each year in the United States, about 13,000 cases of cervical cancer develop, and an estimated 4,000 deaths are attributed to it. Approximately 35,000 of U.S. citizens develop an HPV-related cancer every year. There are disparities in the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer across ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, and regions. In the United States, Hispanic individuals comprise only 18% of the population, yet Hispanic women have the highest incidence of cervical cancer. Hispanic women have a 32% greater incidence of cervical cancer than that of NonHispanic Caucasian women. The Rio Grande Valley’s (RGV) cervical cancer incidence rate is 68% higher than the rest of the United States, and the death rate is approximately 55% higher than the rest of the state of Texas. This review aims to understand the pathophysiology of HPV and cervical cancer development.
Methods: We conducted searches in PUBMED, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar to identify studies discussing the pathophysiology of HPV with cervical cancer. We excluded studies not written in English and those where the full text could not be accessed. We did not have a date restriction. A total of twenty studies were reviewed.
Results: Our review found that HPV utilizes multiple mechanisms to establish a persistent infection and subsequently develops into cervical cancer. HPV interferes with the production of immune sensing genes by inducing heterochromatin formation at their promoter regions. This leads to epigenetic silencing and hides infected cells from recognition. HPV also downregulates the production of chemoattractants and promotes methylation of glycoproteins, such as Ecadherin, so that immune cells are not retained at the site of infection. The virus inhibits activation of T cells and downregulates receptors on NK cells. It also promotes angiogenesis by upregulating PDGF formation and FGF activation. HPV early-region oncoproteins, particularly E6 and E7, were also found to play a role in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer. These oncoproteins disrupt critical tumor-suppressing pathways through interactions with p53 and retinoblastoma, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and oncogenesis. An unbalanced cervical microbiota, also known as dysbiosis, was found to be an additional factor in the development of cancer. High levels of Atopobium vaginae, Porpyromonas spp., and Fusobacterium spp. along with low lactobacillus diversity promote carcinogenesis through mechanisms such as toxin production, DNA damage, immunomodulation, and inflammation.
Conclusion: By understanding the role of HPV in the development of cervical cancer, this can help us educate people in the importance of HPV vaccination as well as aid with the development of therapeutic intervention
Primary Care Behavioral Health Partnerships Advancing & Transforming Health Sciences (PCBH PATHS): An Initiative to Address Health Disparities and Promote Equitable Care in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV)
Get PDFPurpose: The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) faces significant socio-economic challenges, with 35.6% of residents living in poverty and uninsured rates as high as 40%. Each year, approximately 260,000 residents experience mild to moderate behavioral health conditions. Behavioral health care in the region is particularly scarce, with only 30.1 mental health providers per 100,000 compared to the statewide average of 72.7. Furthermore, approximately 90.5% of the population identifies as Hispanic/Latino, so culturally relevant interventions are critical. The Primary Care Behavioral Health Partnerships Advancing & Transforming Health Sciences (PCBH PATHS) Initiative addresses these disparities by 1) developing a PCBH model tailored to university-affiliated healthcare training programs, 2) enhancing addiction and behavioral health training in primary care, and 3) creating wellness programs for healthcare trainees. Through workforce development and integrated whole-person care, PCBH PATHS advances health equity by improving access to behavioral health services and addressing disparities in underserved populations in the RGV.
Description: PCBH PATHS is a workforce development initiative that trains healthcare professionals in the evidence-based primary care behavioral health (PCBH) treatment model to address critical healthcare disparities in underserved populations. This team-based, population-health approach equips primary care teams to manage biopsychosocial health conditions. Further, the PCBH model is particularly vital for addressing health disparities prevalent in Hispanic/Latino populations along the US-Mexico border such as diabetes, depression, pain management, and substance use disorders. Since 2019, the PCBH model has been implemented in Family Medicine (FM) and Ob/Gyn residency programs to expand access to whole-health services and educationally to improve physician competencies in delivering consistent, high-quality, whole-person care. The initiative has impacted thousands of patients and 134 trainees, including 83 FM residents, 28 Ob/Gyn residents, and 23 mental health trainees. PCBH PATHS has successfully integrated PCBH into medical residency and clinical training programs through leadership engagement, clinic readiness assessments, workflow mapping, and adapted training modules. The ongoing expansion of PCBH across UTRGV primary and specialty care clinics strengthens culturally relevant, holistic care, reduces stigma, promotes early intervention, and fosters widespread adoption of evidence-based behavioral health interventions for historically underserved populations. Lessons learned highlight the importance of culturally tailored approaches as essential factors for successful behavioral health integration for underserved populations.
Partners: PCBH PATHS has been a collaborative effort between UTRGV residency programs and leadership. Community partners include three Area Health Education Center Primary Care Clinics located across the RGV. These partners have ensured program sustainability, alignment with community needs, and the development of a skilled and culturally competent workforce.
Looking Ahead: PCBH PATHS has demonstrated significant potential to improve health outcomes for underserved populations in the RGV. Future directions include scaling the PCBH model to additional clinics, evaluating its impact on patient outcomes and trainee development, and fostering a culture of integrated care
Comparing Radiation Therapy to Non-Radiation Treatments for Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Get PDFCutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma primarily affecting the skin, with subtypes including mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to compare the efficacy of radiation therapy (e.g., total skin electron beam therapy, localized radiation) versus non-radiation treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, immunotherapy) in adults with CTCL. Comprehensive searches were conducted in databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Ovid MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and EU Clinical Trials Registry, focusing on studies published in English within the last five years. Primary outcomes include response rate, disease-free survival, overall survival, and quality of life, while secondary outcomes will include treatment toxicity and symptom relief. Two independent reviewers performed data extraction and risk of bias assessments. Meta-analyses are conducted using random-effects models to account for clinical and methodological diversity. Subgroup analyses are performed based on CTCL subtype, disease stage, and treatment modality. This review elucidates differences in response rates, disease control, and impacts on quality-of-life measures between radiation and non-radiation treatments for CTCL. Our findings highlight the need for personalized treatment strategies to optimize patient outcomes in managing CTCL
Novel analogue of Ormeloxifene Suppresses Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Disrupting β-Catenin Signaling in Cervical Cancer
Get PDFBackground: Cervical cancer (CxC) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity among women worldwide. Current chemotherapeutic agents for CxC have shown systemic toxicity in CxC patients. Ormeloxifene (ORM) is a non-toxic and non-steroidal drug with well-defined pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties in humans. Studies have shown its anticancer potential in various pre-clinical mouse models. Here, we have synthesized and characterized a novel analogue of ormeloxifene, Bromo-ormeloxifene (Br-ORM), which showed more therapeutic efficacy against CxC in vitro and in vivo model systems.
Methodology: The effect of Br-ORM on CxC cells (CaSki and SiHa) growth and proliferation was determined by colony formation and MTS assays. Molecular docking of Br-ORM with β-catenin was done by AutoDock4 software. Effect of Br-ORM on the expression of epithelial-to mesenchymal (EMT) markers (N-cadherin, slug, snail), MMPs (MMP2 and MMP3) and miR-200a were analyzed by Western blot and qPCR analyses respectively. Apoptosis analysis was done by Annexin-V staining kit. Effect of Br-ORM on β-catenin cellular localization in CxC cells was analyzed by immunofluorescence analysis. The anti-tumor efficacy of Br-ORM was investigated in orthotopic xenograft mouse model of CxC.
Results: Br-ORM effectively inhibited growth and proliferation of CxC cells in a dose and timedependent manner as compared to ORM. Br-ORM efficiently suppressed metastatic phenotypes of CxC cells as determined by significant (P\u3c0.05) decrease in invasion and migration potential of CxC cells. Moreover, Br-ORM showed increased apoptosis, which was observed by enhanced Annexin-V staining and PARP protein cleavage. Br-ORM markedly reduced the EMT process as evident by repression of N-cadherin, slug, snail, MMPs and β-catenin/TCF-4 transcriptional activity. Br-ORM potently reduced the translocation of β-catenin in the nucleus. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that Br-ORM proficiently binds into active site of β-catenin with a minimum energy -7.6 kcal/mol. Br-ORM treatment replenished the expression of miR-200a, which directly targets β-catenin in CxC cells. Br-ORM significantly (P\u3c0.01) regressed the cervical tumor growth in orthotopic xenograft mouse model. Similar molecular effects of Br-ORM were observed in excised tumor tissues.
Conclusion: These results suggest that Br-ORM inhibits the metastatic phenotypes of CxC cells via targeting β-catenin signaling pathway. Br-ORM could be used as a novel therapeutic modality for the treatment of CxC
Fabrication of docetaxel loaded PCL/PLGA electrospun nanofibers for lung cancer therapy
Get PDFBackground: Electrospinning is a commonly employed method in tissue engineering due to its ability to produce nano-/microscale fibrous materials with mechanical and functional properties that mimic the extracellular matrix of living tissues. The general interest in electrospun fibrous matrices has recently expanded to cancer research both as scaffolds for in vitro cancer modeling and as patches for in vivo therapeutic delivery. This research aims to investigate the efficient delivery of anticancer drug in lung cancer treatment.
Methods: Three different biocompatible polymeric nanofibers (i.e. PCL fibers, PCL-PLGA mixed fibers, and PCL-PLGA tetra-layered fibers) loaded with docetaxel, were prepared using electrospinning technique. Size and morphology of developed fibers were assessed using a scanning electron microscope. The physico-chemical characterization of nanofibers was evaluated spectral, thermal, chromatography, crystallography methods. Various biological functional assays were employed to examine hemocompatibility, cellular binding and uptake, cytotoxicity of nanofibers.
Results: The surface morphology of prepared nanofibers revealed the formation of fibers i.e., smooth, porous, and rough surface topography. The formation of PCL and layer by layer (PCL and PLGA) fibers appeared to be bundled while mixing fibers (PCL and PLGA) are highly uniform and relatively smaller fibers. Its composition, docetaxel loading and release profiles are suitable for therapeutic applications. The nanofibers exhibit hemocompatibility and anti-thrombogenic properties. All three docetaxel loaded nanofibers demonstrated maximum cytotoxicity compared to free nanofibers.
Conclusions: These results indicate that the use of docetaxel loaded mixed nanofibers represents a promising alternative for the treatment of lung cancer. Further research is needed to explore its in vivo and future clinical translation
Comparative Impact of SGLT2 Inhibitors and Emerging Therapies on Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Get PDFBackground: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) presents significant clinical and therapeutic challenges. This is especially true when patients have comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) have shown efficacy in managing HFpEF by reducing hospitalizations, improving cardiovascular outcomes, an enhancing quality of life. This systematic review synthesized evidence from recent studies to evaluate the impact of SGLT2 is and adjunct therapies in management of HFpEF.
Methods: We systematically reviewed abstracts from PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library that investigated the efficacy of SGLT2is (dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, tofogliflozin) in patients with HFpEF. From 75 original articles with strict inclusion criteria 25 original research articles were identified. We focused on hospitalizations for heart failure (HHF), cardiovascular (CV) mortality, quality of life metrics, and biomarker changes.
Results: Dapagliflozin and empagliflozin significantly reduced HHF and CV mortality in HFpEF patients. In DELIVER and EMPEROR-Preserved trails, empagliflozin was shown to reduce the composite outcomes of HHF and CV mortality with hazard ratios of 0.79 and 0.77 respectively. Dapagliflozin reduced NT-proBNP levels, improved ejection fraction, and led to weight loss in HFpEF patients. Semaglutide was shown to reduce HF-related events and CV mortality in a T2D and CKD population. This was with hazard ratios of 0.73 for composite and isolated HF events. SGLT2is improved Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) scores and dapagliflozin showed the largest gains in HFpEF patients that had a high BMI. Empagliflozin improved frailty indices and quality of life measures over the 12 to 52 weeks of treatment. Lokelma allowed for up-titration of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors in hyperkalemic HF patients with CKD. Empagliflozin showed reductions in the risk on anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in cancer patients with high risks of HF. SGLT2is demonstrated consistent efficacy across geographic regions and demographic variations. North America showed higher baseline event rates, but similar relative risk reduction.
Conclusion: SGLT2is, especially dapagliflozin and empagliflozin, reduce HHF, CV mortality, and enhance quality of life in HFpEF patients. Adjunct therapies like Lokelma and semaglutide allow for targeted benefits in hyperkalemia and T2D-related HFpEF cases. Future research should focus on refining therapeutic strategies and including combining SGLT2is with novel agents. This would allow for outcomes to be maximized in diverse patient populations
Middle School as a Nexus for Educational Reform
Get PDFBackground: Educational disparities significantly impact student achievement, particularly in underserved regions like the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). This study aims to identify the grade level where interventions are most necessary to enhance academic motivation and career orientation.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 1,384 students across 55 schools in 17 districts within the RGV. The study included economically disadvantaged populations (83.7%) with a predominantly Hispanic demographic (95.1%). Students’ motivation, measured using a 5-point Likert scale, was assessed using six domains utilizing (e.g., college readiness, school attendance, academic improvement, homework completion, career exploration and preparation) aggregated into a unified z-score through factor analysis with varimax rotation (KMO: 0.83). Multilevel Tobit regression models accounted for hierarchical data structures, with students nested within schools and districts. Variance was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and kernel density plots visualized motivation score distributions.
Results: Kernel density plots of the aggregated motivation scores revealed a right-censored distribution at higher motivation levels. This justified the use of Tobit models for robust analysis. Factor analysis confirmed that the six motivation domains were strongly correlated which supported their aggregation into a single factor for further investigation. The analysis showed that with a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of 0.83, indicating excellent sampling adequacy. The aggregated z-score had a median of 0.17 (IQR:-0.61, 0.78) with skewness (-0.85) and kurtosis (3.36) suggesting a concentration of higher motivation scores. Tobit regression models revealed a declining trend in motivation as students advanced through grade levels. By 6th grade, motivation scores dropped significantly compared to lower grades with a coefficient of -1.41 (95% Cl: -2.68, -0.13). The decline became more pronounced in grades 7 and 8 where coefficients were -1.69 (95% CI: -2.98, -0.40) and -1.54 (95% CI: -2.83, -0.25) respectively.
Conclusions: Middle school marks a pivotal stage for addressing educational disparities with motivation scores declining sharply during this period. Targeted interventions should focus on maintaining engagement and supporting students at this critical time. These findings emphasize the role of school-level factors in shaping motivation and providing actionable insights for policy and reform in underserved regions like the RGV. Further research should delve into the implementation of interventions and their effectiveness in improving student motivation