Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons^™

Emotion Regulation Strategies And Perceived Emotional Intelligence: The Effect Of Age., Iwanna Sepiadou

Adultspan Journal

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between perceived emotional intelligence and the reported use of cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. We also investigated the possible effects of age on the aforementioned variables. The total sample consisted of 379 people (158 men, 220 women, 1 unreported). Across participants, 273 were young (20-39 years old) and 106 were middle-aged (40-65 years old). We found statistically significant positive correlations between the dimensions of perceived emotional intelligence and the reported use of cognitive reappraisal and negative primarily correlations between the dimensions of perceived emotional intelligence and the reported use of …

Investigating The Therapeutic Potential Of Soursop In Treating Hematologic Malignancies, Sabrina Marie Paparo, Rebeca Mendoza, Robert Chitren, Omar Al-Odat, Emily Nelson, Subash Jonnalagadda, Roger Strair, Manoj Pandey

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Multiple Myeloma (MM) are hematologic malignancies that originate in the bone marrow and account for approximately 1.3% and 2% of cancer cases, respectively. AML is characterized by an accumulation of myeloblasts, or immature myeloid cells, that have the potential to spread to the peripheral blood. There is an uncontrolled proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow in MM. While the current treatment options for both AML and MM show promise in achieving initial remission, it is unfortunately common for patients to experience relapse and develop drug resistance. There is a theory that relapse and …

Nutrition And Exercise Resources For Uninsured Patient Populations, Sabrina Marie Paparo, Samantha Plasner, Runi Patel, Wendy Briaguez

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Proper nutrition and exercise is integral for the prevention and management of chronic diseases such as type two diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease. However, health care disparities in the United States, such as lack of access to primary health care, has been an ever growing problem. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a correlation between being uninsured and having worse health outcomes, and to determine if there is a need for accessible nutrition and/or exercise resources for this population. To conduct this research, a survey was distributed at the Cherry Hill Free Clinic …

Trichotillomania Case Report, Kimberly Kluglein, David F. Lo, Don D. Shamilov

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Trichotillomania is a psycho-dermatologic disorder involving self-inflicted hair loss through pulling. Often complicated by anxiety and depression. Multifactorial etiology and limited evidence-based treatment options makes management difficult. Treatment approaches include a combination of pharmacotherapy, CBT, HRT, and ACT. Case presentation involves a 24-year-old female, diagnosed with treatment-resistant trichotillomania who achieved remission and hair regrowth through mindset reframing, physical barriers, and community support. Novel approaches focusing on mindset and community support can yield positive outcomes.

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Referrals In Cancer Patients, Bhumik Patel, Venkateswar Venkataraman, Deanna Janora, Jack Goldberg

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) can address functional limitations in various conditions, including cancer. Cancer rehabilitation aims to address functional impairments resulting from both the disease itself and its treatments, striving to optimize physical, social, psychological, and vocational functioning. Existing literature indicates that PM&R services significantly benefit cancer patients by improving their overall quality of life. Studies have found that optimal utilization of PM&R services can increase the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) in cancer patients. Current National Comprehensive Cancer Network and American Cancer Society guidelines emphasize the importance of incorporating PM&R services into oncology care to enhance the function and …

A Hiccup In The Road: Omm In The Medically Complex, Catherine F. Alapatt

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Many patients in the hospital require multiple medications to treat their medical concerns. While medications may be highly effective, they can cause a variety of side effects. Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) can be used as an adjuvant therapy, potentially decreasing the number of medications that patients are on and their side effects. We present a unique case of a patient with intractable hiccups who could not be solely managed with medications alone. OMM was used in this patient’s treatment plan, reducing the number of medications. The implications of this case demonstrate the need for OMM to be used more frequently …

Gut Microbiome And Nutrition Interplay In Regulating And Improving Autism Spectrum Disorder Related Social Symptoms, Irenonsen Juliet Eigbe, Christian Moya Gamboa, Jana Gjini, Jaydeep Mukherjee, Susrut Dube

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The composition of the gut microbiome has been shown to play a role in the onset of neurological disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD). A small variety of recent research articles identify a possible link between onset and severity of ASD related behaviors and the composition of the gut microbiome. The purpose of this review is to identify gaps in the current understanding of the role that nutrition plays in changing the gut microbiome and subsequently altering the onset and severity of behavioral phenotypes in children with ASD. Inclusion criteria comprises peer-reviewed publications relating to children with autism. Exclusion criteria consists …

The Impact Of Vitamin Supplementation (D, B12, B9) On Behaviors Associated With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Rohan Mehra

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: One in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Although heritability of the condition ranges from 40 to 80%, other factors such as vitamin levels, may have a significant impact on the risk of development. These vitamins include D, B12, and B9.

Purpose: To assess the impact vitamin supplementation has on behaviors associated with ASD, and to determine which specific aspects of ASD may be improved with vitamin supplementation.

Methods: A literature review was performed. The search was utilized PubMed, JSTOR and Web of Science. Keyword strings included: “Vitamin D B12 B9 folate …

Vitamin Level Differences Across The Asd Spectrum, Rohan Mehra, Wendy F. Aita, Andrea Iannuzzelli

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: In the United States, 2.7% of children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Environmental factors such as vitamin levels, including D, B9, and B12, may have a significant impact on the risk of development. Children conceived in winter months, with low sunlight and Vitamin D levels, have a higher risk of developing ASD. Vitamin B12 deficiency is generally linked with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Additionally, vitamin B9 deficiency of a mother during gestation is linked to a higher risk of her child developing ASD.

Purpose: To assess potential differences in vitamin levels between patients of differing …

Investigating The Efficacy Of Myo-Inositol In Adolescents With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Scoping Review, Mariam Sharobeem

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 6 to 13% of adolescent girls in the United States.6 PCOS poses difficulty with diagnosing and treatment with adolescents as its symptoms are heterogenous and are often rationalized with other diagnoses. Key diagnostic features of PCOS include irregular menstruation, infertility, obesity, hirsutism, increased risk of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, lipid abnormalities and metabolic syndrome.12 Currently, there are no pharmacological therapies approved by the FDA to treat PCOS.5 Alternatives include pharmacological management of symptoms with medications like combined oral contraceptive pills, metformin and anti-obesity agents.6 Recently, more discussion about the lack of PCOS treatment has been …

Health Benefits Of Saccharomyces Boulardii As A Probiotic, Devashri Parikh, Maftuna Kurbonnazarova, Ravij Upadhyay, Andrea Iannuzzelli

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Saccharomyces boulardii (SB), a budding yeast, within the Saccharomyces genus. It commonly used as a probiotic that has been isolated from lychee and mangosteen fruit. S. boulardii is not known to acquire resistant genes and does not last in the intestine after 3-5 days of discontinuing the ingestion. The clinical efficacy of this probiotic yeast is known to improve various diarrhea such as pediatric diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, acute diarrhea, and traveler’s diarrhea. Additionally, when used as an adjuvant to treatment for Helicobacter pylori and Clostridium difficile infections, it improves bacterial eradication, prevents relapse, reduces adverse reactions and treatment-associated diarrhea.

Several …

Efficacy Of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine As A Non-Pharmacological Approach For Alleviating Pain And Muscle Stiffness In Patients With Multiple Sclerosis And A Comparison To Conventional Medical Interventions, Maduka Gunasinghe, Shannon Mckee

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological condition characterized by a range of debilitating symptoms, including muscle stiffness, fatigue, spasticity, tremors, and gait disturbance. Traditional treatments often face adherence challenges and escalating costs, prompting the exploration of alternative interventions like Osteopathic Manipulation Techniques (OMT). While the effectiveness of OMT in MS remains underexplored, initial studies suggest promising outcomes, such as improved mobility, reduced fatigue, and enhanced range of motion. Specifically, indirect OMT techniques like counterstain, myofascial release, and muscle energy techniques have shown efficacy in addressing muscle tension, spasticity, and gait abnormalities. Integrating OMT into MS management may offer a …

Can Nutritional Supplements Benefit Patients Receiving Treatment For Neurodegenerative Disorders?, Russell Levi, Saad Ahmed, Zachary Harris

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

As the prevalence of neurocognitive disorders rises globally, developing new methodologies of prevention and treatment is crucial. This literature review examines the efficacy of adding nutritional supplements, specifically nootropics, with traditional pharmacological regimens on various neurocognitive and neurodegenerative disorders. Primary, peer-reviewed research, including both human and animal studies, was assesed to determine if there was a benefifical, minimal, or detrimental effect on symptom progression. The inclusion criteria focused on studies that evaluated the reduction in disease markers or symptoms following supplement use. The findings reveal that natural supplements generally support disease management. Significant improvements were noted with specific combinations like …

Process Modeling The Neuroprotective Effects Of A Plant-Based Diet On Parkinson's Disease, Julia Mitchell

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability. Recent research suggests an avenue for potential neuroprotection through dietary intervention, specifically the adoption of a plant-based diet. A plant-based diet predominantly comprises foods derived from plants, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and nuts while minimizing or excluding animal products. This thesis aims to explore the biochemical pathways implicated in PD progression and the potential impact of dietary choices on these pathways. The investigation focuses on several key pathways: alpha-synuclein aggregation, the blood-brain barrier crossing of levodopa, oxidative stress, ferroptosis, …

Exploration Of Enterococcus Faecalis Bacteriophages Diversity: Comprehensive Phylogenetic Analysis And Discovery Isolation Of Enterococcus Faecalis Phage From A Soil Sample In South Florida, Hailey N. Jauernick

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Enterococcus faecalis is a commensal bacterium found in the gastrointestinal tract, oral cavity, and vagina of humans, which can transition to pathogenic states, leading to diverse infections. Many E. faecalis infections are becoming progressively challenging to treat, stemming from the lack of effective antibiotic therapies against its virulence factors, including biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance. Phage therapy emerges as a promising alternative, targeting bacteria with minimal impact on host flora. However, despite phages' ubiquitous presence and potential applications in medicine and biotechnology, their diversity and ecological niches are vastly understudied. Here, we investigated the diversity of sequenced E. faecalis phages …

”To Be Or Not To Be – It’S Good”: Actor And Student Experiences In A Drama Club For People With Aphasia, Jade K. Hannan

Senior Theses

Individuals with aphasia, a disorder caused by damage to the brain’s language network, confront a variety of social and emotional struggles. While leaving their cognition largely intact, aphasia tremendously impacts a person’s ability to communicate confidently, fracturing their social network and contributing to feelings of loneliness and frustration. To address this persistent need in the chronic aphasia population, the Play on Words drama club at the University of South Carolina provides a forum for people with aphasia (PWA) to engage in dramatic exercises focused on non-verbal communication of emotions, ideas, and stories, culminating the production of an original devised play. …

Research Highlights, Bhavna Makhija, Khan Sheeba Saleem

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Research Highlights

Remodeling Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer's Aggressive Profile And Metabolic Signature By Natural Alkaloid Berberine, Tara Elizabeth Jarboe

NYMC Student Theses and Dissertations

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a rare, fatal cancer with a five-year survival of 4%. Universally diagnosed at stage IV, anaplastic thyroid cancer is characterized by its lack of differentiation, rapid proliferative rate, highly inflammatory tumor microenvironment, and metabolic dysregulation. Refractory to all established therapies, anaplastic thyroid cancer requires a novel therapeutic approach that targets all of these drivers of anaplastic thyroid cancer carcinogenesis. We propose natural alkaloid berberine as a therapeutic with multitarget efficacy to alter mitochondrial metabolism and reprogram anaplastic thyroid cancer’s aggressive phenotype. Our in vitro model uses monocyte cell line U937, anaplastic thyroid cancer cell lines T238 …