Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Management Of Patient With Impaction Secondary To Undigested Sunflower Seed Bezoar: A Case Report, Sufia Ahmed, Anthony Adetomiwa

Research Day

Introduction: Bezoars are aggregates of undigested plant fibers, hair, or seeds that may impact in any portion of the GI tract. These bezoars if left can lead to significant complications, including perforation and peritonitis.

Methods: We report a case of a 4-year-old female patient who presented to the emergency department with constipation and severe lower abdominal pain following unsupervised consumption of a large unknown volume of sunflower seeds. Initial radiograph revealed an undigested bezoar of seeds in the sigmoid colon and rectum. The patient was managed with mineral oil enema and manual disimpaction under conscious sedation. Subsequent radiographs revealed a …

Opioid Overdose: Rural Georgia Vs. Urban Georgia - Who's Winning The Battle?, Zizah-Wosseni Blair, Justice Dove, Didem Aydin, Stacie Fairley

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: The opioid crisis is a major public health issue affecting communities across the United States, including Georgia. The widespread misuse of prescription and illicit opioids has led to a significant increase in opioid-related overdoses and deaths. The impact on Georgia communities has been devastating, affecting individuals from all walks of life and causing significant harm to families and communities. The Georgia Department of Public Health reported that the number of drug overdose deaths in the state rose by 61.9% from 2019 to 2021. Rural and Urban communities in Georgia face unique challenges in addressing this epidemic. Rural communities often …

Rare Presentation Of Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma In The Finger: Case Report And Review Of Literature, F. Rhana Mousavi, Bassem Bekheit, Emon Alavi, Nick A. Hirad, Abanoub Gabra

Research Day

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary tumor of the liver that primarily develops in the setting of chronic liver disease. HCC is difficult to diagnose due to it requiring the use of multiple imaging modalities with the goal to detect tumors when they are less than or equal to 2 cm in size to allow all possible treatment options to be used. Herein, we discuss a 69-year-old male with stage IV liver cancer residing in hospice presenting with left middle finger osteomyelitis and extreme pain. Radiology revealed a destructive lesion but pathology provided the diagnosis of metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma in …

A Radiologic Analysis: Relationships Of The Thoracic Spine To Aid Palpation Of The Thoracic Transverse Processes, Christopher Baker, Darshan Patel, Michael B. Roberts, Kristie Petree, Randall L. Mcgill

Research Day

Introduction: In the field of osteopathic manipulative medicine, palpation is an important skill used by physicians to localize structures to diagnose and treat patients with somatic dysfunction throughout the musculoskeletal system. Specifically, in the thoracic spine, physicians can use the more superficial spinous process of each vertebra to assist in locating the deeper, more challenging to palpate, transverse process of the vertebra. Historically, the “rule of threes”, proposed by Mitchell et al in 1979, describing the relationships between spinous processes and transverse processes of the thoracic spine has been taught in osteopathic medical schools. However, another model was more recently …

A Cadaveric Case Study On Lung Cancer Pathology, Anna Beth Boyette, Sarah Kate Boyette, Haley Garrett, Janai Groves, Perry Chandler Mullis, Sofia Sirocchi, Shiv Dhiman, Savita Arya

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer amongst both genders, currently accounting for about 18% of all cancer deaths.

OBJECTIVES: The overall purpose of this study was to evaluate the pathology associated with the patient’s cause of death, cardiorespiratory failure and lung cancer. The secondary aims of this study were to confirm the presence of malignant neoplasms within a human cadaver, determine the type of cancer present, and take specimens for histological examination to evaluate the patient’s cause of death.

METHODS: This is a case report from one of the cadavers in the Gross Anatomy laboratory at the …

Integrating Ai Into Culinary Medicine: A Revolution In Nutrition And Home Cooking, Emeka Ikeakanam, Evan Curry, Terrence Mchugh, Jason Walker

Research Day

Introduction

With the growing popularity of the emerging field of culinary medicine, there is a growing understanding of the culinary barriers needed to be overcome to adopt healthier eating habits. Lack of confidence, low skills, and lack of time are some of the most common barriers that prevent individuals from cooking at home. However, integrating AI can offer personalized support for home cooking and help individuals overcome these barriers. AI-powered meal planning and recipe suggestions can guide healthy and nutritious food choices that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. Additionally, AI can modify recipes to accommodate individual health conditions …

Clinical Significance Of The Anatomical Variations In Splenic Morphology, Hannah N. Jackson, Sarah Amaris, Brigitte L. Cochran, Shiv Dhiman, Savita Arya

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: From helping defend the body against infections to cleaning the blood of damaged red blood cells, the spleen is crucial to maintaining homeostasis for primates. The primary objective of this study was to analyze anatomical variations of cadaveric spleens and determine an association with demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals; and thus enrich the current understanding of splenic variations in the South Eastern part of the US.

METHODS: The present study was conducted with specimens from two gross anatomy cadaver labs, with data from donor cadavers at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) Georgia and PCOM South Georgia …

A Cadaveric Case Study On Metastatic Breast Cancer Pathology, Janai L. Groves, Haley B. Garrett, Savannah J. Finley, Jada M. Glenn, Itza M. Garcia, Shiv Dhiman, Savita Arya

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. The exact etiology of breast cancer is unknown, but over 70% of breast cancer cases involve only two risk factors: being a woman and being over the age of 50. Women with a family history of breast cancer, as well as women who experience early menopause, have an even greater risk of developing this disease. When considering racial demographics, African-American women have a 4-8% lower incidence rate of breast cancer than Caucasian women but are 40% more likely to die from the disease. Breast cancer …

Cadaveric Study: Sign Of Leser-Trélat Associated With Breast Cancer, Brigitte L. Cochran, Shiv Dhiman, Savita Arya

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Seborrheic keratoses (SK) is considered the most common benign skin lesions found in individuals that are middle aged and older. In dermatology practice, these lesions pose no threat to the individual but can be concerning for cosmetic and underlying malignancy reasons when they cover most of the skin surface. Of specific concern is the sign of Leser-Trélat, which has been documented as a cutaneous harbinger of underlying malignancy associated with proliferation of the size and/or number seborrheic keratoses. This rare sign is usually caused by malignancies such as gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma and lung, kidney, liver, pancreatic cancer or malignant melanoma. …

Liver Cirrhosis, Hydroureter And Splenomegaly In A Cadaver : A Case Study, Steven Li, Manuel S. Linarte, Teighlor N. Livingston, Nahimie K. Louissaint, Tyanna N. Mccladdie, Nishi Patel, Shiv Dhiman, Savita Arya

Research Day

Background: Liver cirrhosis is among the most common causes of death in the United States. Cirrhosis can result from alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Advanced cases of liver cirrhosis may result in complications such as portal hypertension, hepatosplenomegaly, varices, and many others.

Case Presentation: This report describes a case of extensive liver cirrhosis found during the cadaveric dissection of a 71-year-old male. Observation revealed a slightly enlarged, cirrhotic liver with recanalization of the umbilical vein (of the round ligament). The patient also had significant splenomegaly, indicative of portal hypertension, and dilation of the left ureter. In …

Paradoxical Embolism Entrapped In A Patent Foramen Ovale, Mohammad Malik, Macy Rowan, Lucas Seibolt, Barney Beaver

Research Day

Background: According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), venous thromboembolisms affect 900,000 people and cause up to 100,000 deaths yearly. A less common subset of these cases includes those of which the emboli, though originating in venous vasculature, are able to pass through intracardiac defects, including a patent foramen ovale (PFO). PFOs are relatively common in the general population, with an incidence of approximately 20-30%. Though oftentimes asymptomatic, PFOs may present an opportunity for an embolism to bypass the lungs and utilize a more direct route to the systemic circulation, otherwise known as paradoxical embolism. One feared complication of …

A Unique Case Of Atrial Fibrillation Secondary To Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma, Mohammad J. Malik, Emily K. Wilson, Vijay Bandhakavi

Research Day

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is widely considered to be the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia with an incidence of roughly 1-2% in the United States alone. The incidence of AF has been known to increase with advancing age and thus presents a significant burden on healthcare systems across the globe. AF arises as a result of several mechanisms including structural changes that occur to the heart overtime. Here we present a case in which a 63-year-old male with no past medical history except heavy tobacco use presented to the emergency department complaining of shortness of breath. He also endorsed having palpitations and …

Prevalence Of Hyperostosis Frontalis In Georgia Elderly Cadaver Population, Sara G. Meawad, Tristan C. Henris, Ansley Myrick, Savita Arya, Shiv Dhiman

Research Day

Introduction

Hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI) is a condition that causes a benign thickening of the frontal bone. Many studies in the past have correlated sex with the incidence of HFI. Additionally, females, especially those postmenopausal, seem to be the predominant group affected. The primary objective of this study is to explore incidence of HFI and how it relates to the different sexes. The secondary objective is to further investigate the correlation of HFI with liver and gonadal pathologies.

Methods

A study is designed to explore the prevalence of hyperostosis frontalis interna among sexes in a sample of cadavers (n=38) at …

A Postmortem Analysis Of Embalmed Lungs, A Human Cadaver Study, Frederick S. Merdian, Matthew Peterman, Odinaka Osigwe, Vikash Patel, Savita Arya

Research Day

OBJECTIVE: The human cadaveric study is vital to fully understanding lung pathologies and the prevalence of potentially cancerous neoplasms upon death in the general population. Developing an accurate knowledge of human respiratory neoplastic pathology is vital in furthering the field of respiratory medicine. This study aims to analyze a cohort of lung sets belonging to human cadavers for visible potentially pathogenic neoplasms and contrast this with epidemiological data available for representative populations.

METHODS: Cadaveric lungs (n= 20 pairs; 38 individual lungs) were isolated, and gross observations were performed of the parietal surface of both lungs. These samples were part of …

A Combined Radio-Immunotherapy Regimen Eradicates Late-Stage Melanoma In Mice., Sritha Moram, Alexander Rakhmilevich, Noah Tsarovsky, Mildred Felder, Amy Erbe, Alex Pieper, Jen Zaborek, Emily Cheng, Cole Witt, Paul Sondel

Research Day

Advanced cancers are typically resistant to treatment, which leads to most experimental cancer immunotherapy approaches being tested against smaller tumors. In this study, we show that even late-stage, weakly immunogenic mouse B78 melanomas, with tumor volumes of 1500-2000 mm3, can be eradicated by a combined radio-immunotherapy regimen (CRIR) which includes local radiotherapy, intratumoral interleukin 12, slow-release systemic interleukin 2 and checkpoint blockade with anti-CTLA-4 antibody. Flow analysis of the tumors revealed a reduction in T regulatory (Treg) cells and an increase in CD8/Treg ratios following CRIR. T cell depletion did not prevent the rapid shrinkage of treated tumors, but suppressed …

Colonic Stenosis In An Elderly Female, Tiffany R. Pittman, Kylie A. Parrish, Grace M. Perry, Oyindamola C. Orekoya, Shiv Dhiman, Savita Arya

Research Day

Introduction

Colonic stenosis is commonly caused by chronic inflammation and is a known side effect of inflammatory conditions, such as diverticulitis and irritable bowel syndrome. Diverticulosis is a common condition where parts of the colon wall become weakened, forming outpouches. These outpouchings may become inflamed, leading to diverticulitis. This chronic inflammation can cause scarring and fibrosis of the colon, resulting in colonic stenosis. Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, may also result in scarring and colonic stenosis. The incidence rate of patients developing colonic stenosis is 8-13.5% for Crohn's disease and 1-11% for ulcerative colitis. Patients …

Atypical Presentation Of Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease In A Diabetic Female, Alexis Rodriguez, Zhi Kuat, Humaira Bibi, Lawrence Ukpong

Research Day

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for 17.9 million deaths yearly and are the leading cause of mortality in the United States. CVDs are heart and blood vessel disorders, including coronary artery disease (CAD), coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease, cardiomyopathy, and more. In 2018, diabetic adults accounted for 1.87 million hospitalizations for major cardiovascular diseases. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a global epidemic affecting about 422 million people worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported more than 37 million people in the United States are diagnosed with DM, and 1 in …

Case Series Of Common Skin Lesions Encountered In Elderly Cadavers: A Dermatopathology Analysis, Tamryn L. Van Der Horn, Brigitte L. Cochran, Savita Arya

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Gaining hands-on experience in both dermatology and pathology is a common barrier that prevents first and second year medical students from refining skills that are not later taught until residency. This prompted a study to develop gross differential diagnostic skills and how to analyze histopathology slides to diagnose common skin lesions to refine skills in both clinical and histology presentation for medical students.

METHODS: A case series was designed to examine multiple shave biopsies on all abnormal skin lesions observed from nine cadavers used for the first-year medical students gross anatomy lab during the year 2022-2023. Biopsies were stained …

Evaluation Of Caffeine And Taurine Administration In Improving Neurodegenerative Dysfunction In Caenorhabditis Elegans Overexpressing The App Ortholog: Apl-1, Perry Chandler Mullis, Heather M. Cathcart

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is characterized by an over-accumulation of β-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary Tau tangles present within the brain, contributing to associative neurodegeneration. Taurine is an essential amino acid found within the nervous system; however, it is one of a few amino acids not required in routine protein synthesis. Caffeine and taurine have both been identified as active ingredients in energy drinks with the benefit of improving nervous system function, supporting neural recovery, and synaptogenesis. In previous studies, taurine has been shown to increase memory retention in animal models, and consumption of caffeine reflects improvement in locomotion, memory, and …

The Impact Of Minority Physician Representation On Minority Patient Health, Nicholas Bohannon, Emeka Ikeakanam, Evan Curry, D'Angelo Stokes, Jordan Howard, Terrence Mchugh, Jason Walker

Research Day

Background:

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the medical profession underwent a physician burnout crisis. Post pandemic, physician burnout transformed into an epidemic that has contributed to the inability of physician supply to meet patient demand in the USA. Recent studies by the American Medical Association predict by 2034, a widespread physician shortage across both primary care and non-primary care specialties (AAMC, 2021). As a result, medical institutions have implemented programs to address this shortage. While this shortage is concerning and needs to be addressed, it isn’t the only shortage at hand. Minorities are deeply underrepresented in the medical field with respect …

Asymmetrical Axillary Artery Deviations Of The Brachial Plexus, Chadwick T. Key, Abraham Q. Khalil, Darya J. Khani, Pathya Kunthy, Alvin Lee, Shiv Dhiman

Research Day

Introduction: The relationship between the brachial plexus and other key axillary vascular structures have been explored extensively in medical literature highlighting different variations in the brachial plexus. Understanding variations provides valuable knowledge for surgical interventions. Typically at the axillary region, the lateral cord splits into the musculocutaneous nerve and the lateral root of the median nerve. The medial cord contributes the medial root to the median nerve where the axillary artery normally runs posteriorly.

Objective: The goal of this case report is to highlight a bilateral anatomical variation of the brachial plexus in relation of the progression of the axillary …

Health Disparities Within Rural Communities In The Southern Region Of The United States, D’Angelo Stokes, Jordan Howard, Terrence Mchugh, Nicholas Bohannon, Emeka Ikeakanam, Evan Curry, Jason Walker

Research Day

Intro:

Historical studies have shown that health disparities exist between urban and rural communities, however additional disparities are also known to exist within rural communities as well. These include health disparities between races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic statuses, among others. While the disparities between urban and rural communities have been researched and described more extensively, there is a paucity of information available about the disparities that exist within rural communities. Our goal in this research initiative was to characterize the disparities that exist within rural communities by examining the findings of several publications that sought to describe this phenomenon in the …

Resveratrol Downregulates Kif15 In Prostate Cancer Cells, Kyla Geary, Dianzheng Zhang

Research Day

Kinesin family member 15 (KIF15) is best known as a stabilizer for bipolar spindle formation during cell division. By interacting with the actin cytoskeleton, KIF15 is also involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation, and therefore implicated in several types of malignancies including liver, pancreatic, and breast cancers. In castration-resistant prostate cancer cells, KIF15 protects AR/AR-V7 from degradation by binding the N-terminus of AR/AR-V7 and enhancing the recruitment of deubiquitinating enzyme ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (USP14). On the other hand, KIF15 is upregulated by AR transcriptionally. We have previously reported that resveratrol (RSV) downregulates ARV7 in prostate cancer cells by enhancing …

Does Low-Grade Follicular Lymphoma With High Proliferation Index Require A Different Treatment Strategy? A Single Center Experience., Urwat T. Vusqa, Brooke Arner, Rahim Jiwani, Georgia Gagianas, Cyrus Khan, John Lister, Yazan Samhouri

Research Day

Background:

Follicular lymphoma is the most common indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). It accounts for 35% of all NHL. FL is divided into three grades based on the proportion of centroblasts. The clinical aggressiveness increases from grade 1 to 3a, but this does not translate to a different therapeutic approach. Some FL patients have a high proliferation index despite having low grade. We assume patients with high proliferation index FL have a more aggressive disease requiring a different therapeutic approach. Here, we examine this theory in a cohort of 145 patients with follicular lymphoma

Methods:

This is a retrospective study of …

Mindfulness And Acceptance In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Trauma-Informed Approach, Chloe Hriso, Alexa Bonacquisti

Research Day

Preterm labor or other medical conditions resulting in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission has an immense potential to be a traumatic event for both parents and their babies. Birth trauma in the context of the NICU may lead to a heightened stress response, decreasing one’s ability to cope with those stressors. This experience may have long-lasting effects for both parents and infants, necessitating a better understanding of interventions that can be offered during NICU admission and beyond to address trauma responses from both a physical and psychological perspective. The positive effects of mindfulness and acceptance-based interventions have the potential …

Rare Presentation Of Primary Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma Of A Rectosigmoid Colon In 79-Year- Old With A History Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Mobeena Arif, Joseph Radakovitz, Pallavi Kulkarni, Iryna Hepburn

Research Day

We discuss the case of a 79-year-old immunocompetent male who presented with weight loss and diarrhea and ultimately was found to have rectosigmoid mass on colonoscopy. Considering the likelihood of malignancy, lower anterior resection was performed, and pathology confirmed the diagnosis of primary Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the sigmoid colon. Hodgkin’s lymphoma typically presents as painless supra-diaphragmatic lymphadenopathy with B symptoms like fever, unexplained weight loss, and drenching night sweats. Due to the rarity of primary Hodgkin lymphoma in the sigmoid colon, we believe sharing this case will bring awareness to the atypical presentation of Hodgkin lymphomas.

Non-Malignant Etiologies For Cystectomy: Trends From 2013-2020, Claire Berger, Emily Baus, Young Son, Scott Serpico, Dayna Devincentz, Thomas Mueller, Gordon Brown

Research Day

Introduction:

Simple cystectomy (SC) may be performed for a variety of non-malignant bladder conditions. However, SC can involve many complications. We seek to characterize the indications for SC including neurogenic bladder, interstitial cystitis, radiation cystitis, and fistulae. We aim to provide an updated analysis of the temporal and demographic trends from 2013-2020.

Methods

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was reviewed for patients undergoing SC. The non-malignant etiologies for SC were separated into 9 subgroups: anatomical, autoimmune, benign neoplasm, bladder outlet obstruction/ lower urinary tract symptoms / reflux, fistula, infectious, neurogenic, vascular, and other. …

Building Inclusive And Welcoming Student Health Centers For Transgender Students, Corey N. Brisseau, Peter J. Ehrig, Erika L. Thomas, Sherry Mendez

Research Day

INTRODUCTION:

While health, wellness, and healthcare are essential to every human being, not much is known about the health and healthcare experiences of transgender students on college campuses. Understanding these healthcare experiences are important because when we recognize them, we can establish a healthy relationship of trust. There is a growing number of transgender students on West Chester University campus, who felt they were not getting the appropriate support and care. As a result, a project was started at student health services to help transgender students effectively access sensitive and welcoming care and support.

METHODS:

To address the needs of …

Assessment Of Attitudes And Knowledge Of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Amongst Neurosurgeons, Devin Kolmetzky, Dillon B. Gooder, Evan Polly, Sarah Glisan, Zein Al-Atrache, Clint Badger, Steven Yocom, Alan Turtz, Donald Allison

Research Day

Introduction: Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) is highly researched and integrated into many medical and surgical subspecialties. Though OMM has been shown to have benefits in treating non-specific cervical and lower back pain and managing post-operative pain, it has rarely been integrated or studied in the neurosurgical community.

Method: Using SurveyMonkey, a survey was dispersed to physicians of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). Information collected included the provider’s type of practice, degree type (MD vs. DO), familiarity with the tenets of OMM, frequency of referral/use of OMM, comfort level with OMM as a non-surgical pre-op option, a post-op pain …

Predictors Of Disordered Eating Behaviors Among South Asians Living In The United States: A Work In Progress, Angela Abraham, Alexa Bonacquisti

Research Day

Introduction: According to the National Association for Anorexia and Associated Disorders (ANAD), approximately 9% of the worldwide population is affected by eating disorders. Roughly 28.8 million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime (Arcelus et al., 2011). Eating disorders are amongst the most serious and deadly mental illnesses. In fact, eating disorders have the second highest risk of death amongst mental illnesses with 10,200 deaths occurring every year directly attributed to them (Arcelus et al., 2011). In particular, Asian Americans may be understudied in terms of eating disorder behaviors (Goel et al., 2022). With respect to eating pathology, …