Diseases Commons^™

Does Strength Training Decrease The Risk Of Sports Related Knee Injury?, Zachary J. Noll, Quin W. Buob

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The knee is the most common joint affected by sports-related injuries, with approximately 2.5 million cases treated annually in the US alone, alongside 2 million worldwide ACL repairs. Among athletes engaged in contact sports like football, soccer, basketball, and volleyball, ACL tears are the primary injury concern. In non-contact sports, particularly running, meniscus tears are commonly experienced. A notable 23% of college athletes encounter knee injuries to varying degrees. Many risk factors have been identified including patient sex, activity type, and body composition, justifying the need for individualized preventive measures.

Various strength training protocols have demonstrated efficacy in reducing the …

Fos Expression In Lateral Hypothalamus/Perifornical Area Is Correlated With Psychosocial Stress-Induced Cocaine-Seeking Behavior In A Sex-Specific Manner, Milena Sudarikov, Nicole M. Hinds, Ireneusz D. Wojtas, Desta M. Pulley, Daniel F. Manvich

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Cocaine Use Disorder persists as a significant public health concern in the United States. Recent epidemiological data indicate that rates of cocaine-involved overdose deaths are rising, and treatment of Cocaine Use Disorder is challenging due to a lack of FDA-approved medications to help patients achieve abstinence and avoid relapse. Stress can precipitate cocaine craving and trigger relapse episodes, however the underlying neural circuitry by which stressors drive cocaine seeking is not completely understood. Our laboratory has recently identified the potential involvement of the rostrolateral aspect of the periaqueductal gray (rlPAG) in psychosocial stress-induced cocaine-seeking behavior using a rodent model of …

Clinical Outcomes For Impella Procedure In Octogenarians, Nonagenarians, And Centenarians: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Tony Elias, Sonika Vatsa, Kyrillos Girgis, Michael Valderrama, Rafail Beshai

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The Impella, a vital ventricular assist device, has seen extensive use in managing severe heart failure and cardiogenic shock. However, the impact of this procedure on older individuals remains poorly understood. To address this gap, we scrutinized the National Inpatient Sample Database from 2019 to 2020 to elucidate in-hospital outcomes among older patients who underwent the Impella procedure. Among the 8233 patients who underwent Impella insertion, 1389 (16.8%) were in the older population, aged 80 years or older. This subgroup exhibited a higher prevalence of comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease compared to younger patients. Alarmingly, …

The Neuroprotective Role Of Lipoxin A4 In Reinstating Blood Brain Barrier Integrity In Neuroinflammatory Disease Processes, Minjal Patel, Nimish Acharya

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Background: The blood-brain barrier (BBB), formed by the vascular endothelium, astrocytic foot processes, pericytes, is a highly selective barrier that is responsible for maintaining brain homeostasis and ultimately proper neuronal function. Disruption of the BBB, leading to increased BBB permeability, has been reported in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).¹ Loss of BBB integrity leads to the proliferation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNFɑ, IL-1β, and IL-6.² Moderate inflammation has a beneficial response in the system following an acute injury. However, prolonged inflammation has been known to perturb homeostasis and have …

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

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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.

Moving On Up: A Case Study Of Hiv And Covid-Induced Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Victoria Wong Murray, Rebecca Chae, Isobel Moyer, Cindy Hou

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COVID and HIV are both common diseases, with COVID affecting an estimated 775 million and HIV affecting 39 million people worldwide. Guillain-Barre is a rare but feared complication of immune stimulation in which the body generates autoantibodies against gangliosides, found in the nodes of Ranvier, in the myelin, and in the ganglia; causing ascending paralysis.

A mid-30s man with HIV maintained on Genvoya presented to the Jefferson Health New Jersey Early Intervention Program clinic with fatigue, fever, cough, and congestion and tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on the following day. Two weeks later, he presented to the emergency department complaining of …

Cva In Patient With Systemic Sclerosis On Aspirin Therapy: A Case Report, Rahyan Mahmud, Bianna Koutsenko, Kenneth Goich, Usaid Hasan

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Introduction

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by microvascular damage and multiorgan fibrosis. These patients have a higher risk of cerebrovascular events, but it is difficult to develop strategies for prevention due to limited understanding of underlying pathophysiology.

Case Presentation

A 76-year-old female with a history of systemic sclerosis presented to the emergency department with acute onset slurred speech, facial droop, and left arm pain with a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Stroke Scale of 1. She was outside the thrombolytic window. Other history includes hypertension and hyperlipidemia; both were well controlled. MRI confirmed right frontal lobe ischemic stroke …

Pituitary Adenoma Presenting As Cranial Nerve Iii Palsy And Hemifacial Pain, Yoona Choe, Justin George, Matthew Boyle, Peter Maduka

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Pituitary adenomas are common neoplasms arising from the pituitary adenohypophyseal cell. They can be classified by cell type, size and as nonfunctioning or functioning based on the secretion of pituitary hormones. Of these, approximately 48% are macroadenomas (>10 mm) and approximately 53% are prolactinomas. For how common these adenomas are, only 1 of 1100 persons manifest clinical symptoms¹ rendering detection and clinical management challenging.

Non-functioning adenomas are slow growing like most pituitary adenomas and are usually detected due to their mass effect on neighboring structures.² The majority of the reported symptoms as a results of these mass …

Janus Kinase (Jak) Inhibitors: A New Frontier In The Treatment Of Vitiligo, Catherine F. Alapatt, Amanda Greenspan, Mohammad Fardos

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Up to 70 million people worldwide suffer from vitiligo, an autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of melanin. Current treatment options vary in efficacy. The disease manifests clinically as white circular macules of depigmentation seen primarily on the face and appendages.1 The pathophysiology of vitiligo is multifactorial and still being studied. One proposed mechanism behind the pathophysiology of vitiligo involves the upregulation of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) with downstream effects on JAK/STAT pathways resulting in CXCL10 transcription.1,2 Here we discuss Ruxolitinib, a topical JAK inhibitor, that recently passed its clinical trial phase, and Ritlecitinib, an oral JAK inhibitor which is currently …

A Deep Dive Into The Relationship Between Sleep Deprivation And Pain Perception: A Cross-Population Analysis, Adam T. Friedman, Kevin Regan

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Background: Sleep deprivation and pain perception significantly impact one another through altered sleep parameters such as Total Sleep Time (TST) and Sleep Efficiency (SE). Particularly in neuropathic pain, disturbed sleep exacerbates pain by disrupting neurobiological mediators like opioids and serotonin. Our research examined how sleep loss affects pain in chronic conditions versus healthy individuals. This research underpins our analysis of how interventions, possibly nutritional, could improve sleep quality and modulate pain perception, exploring this relationship across diverse populations and conditions.

Methods: Our study reviewed peer-reviewed articles published since 2010 on sleep deprivation and pain perception. We searched PubMed, focusing on …

Exploring Hypertension Prevalence Among Ill-Housed Individuals In Urban Environments, Lia Goldberg, Sameer Shah, Nikhila Archakam, Murod Khikmatov, Kesha Choksi, Anddee White

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This study explores the interrelations of hypertension, homelessness, and access to healthcare in urban ill-housed populations. It was found that conditions such as heart disease and diabetes significantly exacerbate hypertension, which remains highly prevalent due to the population's limited access to consistent medical care. Homelessness further complicates the management of hypertension due to unstable living conditions, making adherence to treatment and follow-up with healthcare providers challenging. Additionally, factors like higher rates of substance abuse and malnutrition among homeless populations contribute to worsening hypertension, which, if untreated, can lead to severe health crises including heart attacks and strokes.

The research underscores …

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

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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 …

Factors Affecting Caregiver Burden In Informal Caregivers Of Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Brian Joseph Mathew, Maduka Gunasinghe, Usmaan Al-Shehab, Samrat Gollapudi, Prince Patel, Maithri Goud

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Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often require lifelong care to meet their daily needs, which is typically provided by informal sources like family members as well as formal caregivers from home health agencies. The persistent stress of raising a child with ASD can potentially lead to parental burnout, highlighting the importance of understanding the struggles faced by these caregivers. Clinicians must prioritize the well-being of both the individuals with ASD and their dedicated caregivers by gaining a comprehensive understanding of the challenges they encounter.

Our research aims to investigate and comprehend the specific challenges faced by caregivers of individuals …

Cut The Pressure: Blood Pressure Screening In A Community Based Setting, Harold Kareem Knight Jr., Katharine Milani

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This study addresses the pressing issue of cardiovascular health disparities in African American males through community-based interventions, specifically blood pressure screenings and surveys conducted in a local barbershop setting. Despite a preference among participants for clinical settings, an overwhelming 97.7% expressed high comfort levels in the community-based environment, highlighting the importance of culturally sensitive approaches in healthcare delivery. With 92.5% indicating willingness to return for future screenings, the study underscores the efficacy of non-traditional settings in fostering healthcare engagement. Findings suggest the potential for broader impact through scalable, community-centric initiatives, offering promising avenues for improving health outcomes in underserved populations.

Soluble Antimicrobial Peptide (Amp) Screening To Rationally Design Amp-Hydrogels That Selectively Prevent Biofilm Formation, Matthias Recktenwald, Muskanjot Kaur, Mohammed M. Benmassaoud, Aryanna Copling, Tulika Khanna, Michael Curry, Denise Cortes, Gilbert Fleischer, Valerie J. Carabetta, Sebastián L. Vega

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Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen that lives on surfaces and skin and can cause serious infections once inside the body. While antibiotics effectively kill bacteria, there are a growing number of infections with antibiotic-resistant strains. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are part of the innate immune system and can eliminate pathogens including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and are a promising alternative to antibiotics. Although studies have reported that AMP-functionalized hydrogels can prevent bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, these materials generally consist of one AMP at an arbitrary concentration, and AMP dosing and the combined effects of multiple AMPs are not well …

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

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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 …

Sunscreen Cost And Its Effect On Skin Cancer In Low-Income Communities: A Systemic Review, John Sauer

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This research examines the pivotal connection between sunscreen affordability and its impact on skin cancer prevalence, especially in low-income communities. Despite universal dermatological recommendations for daily sunscreen use, stringent criteria contribute to elevated prices, averaging around $10 for a 6 oz unit. This financial strain is compounded for families adhering to recommended application rates, leading to significant economic burdens. Outdoor laborers, less likely to follow guidelines, face heightened risks. Government programs' excluding sunscreen costs further exacerbate challenges for low-income communities, contributing to increased skin cancer incidence. This review aims to establish a correlation between sunscreen cost and skin cancer rates, …

Insurance Status And Its Effect On Mothers With Postpartum Depression In The United States, Sanjana Davuluri, Lillian J. Alonzo, Nikita Paranjape, Akshad Thirugnanam, Alexander Youssef

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Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant health issue in the US today: 1 in 8 new mothers experience symptoms of PPD. Understanding how social determinants of health impact the short and long-term health outcomes of patients with PPD is key to providing interventions that are effective, efficient, equitable, and patient-centered. In this literature review, we aimed to shed light on the association between discrepancies in health outcomes of mothers with PPD and their insurance status. A search was conducted across PubMed and ProQuest Central databases focusing on literature from 2014 onwards. Studies that explored factors contributing to PPD, the impact …

Potential Mechanisms For New Onset Atrial Fibrillation In Covid-19 Patients, Raghav Gupta, Yara Assadi, Shaniece Nicole Lawrence, Erika Jeanie Pitsker, Michael Scott Bickford Jr., Victoria Amber Saniko

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Introduction: This study shows the prevalence of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in COVID-19 patients and highlights the most prevalent explanatory pathologic theories for the correlation.

Methods: The authors carried out a literature review over PubMed using the keywords “atrial fibrillation” and “long-term COVID.” 48 articles were reviewed. Articles relating to new onset of atrial fibrillation in COVID-19 patients were included while articles posted before 2020, not related to COVID and atrial fibrillation were excluded.

Results: The prevalence of atrial fibrillation in COVID patients is often reported to be around 17%, however 44% of patients within Intensive Care units (ICU) have atrial …

Barriers In Health Care Leading To High Maternal Mortality Rates In Southern New Jersey, Katarina Rusinak Oms I, Muznah Khan, Ava Dinardo, Nayarith Lopez Oms Ii

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Maternal mortality remains a significant issue in New Jersey, particularly in the Southern counties where rates are alarmingly high. This study investigates barriers faced by mothers in these areas, utilizing data from state health departments, as well as the CDC. Findings reveal clear disparities in healthcare access and resources, exacerbated by high poverty and rural settings. Proposed interventions include educational posters and community workshops to empower expecting mothers and families. However, challenges such as low attendance and limited effectiveness of interventions underscore the need for comprehensive, sustainable solutions to tackle maternal mortality in Southern New Jersey.

Identifying The Relationship Between Post-Concussion Mental Health And Athletic Status: Is It The Same For All Demographics?, Mary Lorraine Zsolway, Jamie Shoop

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Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether athletic status was linked to fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression post-concussion, as well as to explore whether the impact of athletic status on mental health varied by demographics (i.e. age, sex, race, insurance status). The results of this study may assist in identifying at-risk individuals early to help prioritize those who may benefit from early referral to mental health resources.

Introduction: Mental health concerns post-concussion are relatively common, with roughly 1 in 3 individuals experiencing these symptoms. It has been previously shown that youth who participate in …

A Literature Review Of Current Treatments For The Hypermobility Subtype Of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, John Gericke, Mary Zsolway, Chelsea Reyes, Pooja Patel, Saad Ahmed, Julia Hwang, Venkateswar Venkataraman

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Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare pharmacologic intervention, neurocognitive therapy, physical therapy, and orthotics in treating the hypermobility subtype of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and determine which has the most positive effect on symptoms.

Introduction: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is an inheritable connective tissue disorder which results from a genetic mutation that alters the body’s ability to produce collagen. The most common subtype of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is hEDS, which leads to hypermobility and hyperextensibility and can cause frequent joint dislocations.

Methods: A review of literature was performed to compare each treatment based on reported results. The types of studies reviewed …

The Benefits And Risks Of Pudendal Nerve Block And Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation In Pudendal Neuralgia, Pooja A. Patel

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Context: Pudendal neuralgia is a chronic neuropathic pain syndrome worsening throughout daily activities. Although temporarily relieved when standing or lying down, it is often misdiagnosed, improperly treated, and/or refractory to treatment leading to a negative impact on quality of life. The lack of research in proper diagnosis and interventional management (such as dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRGS) and pudendal nerve block) further contributes to the delay in relief from the chronic pain. Objective: The goal of this scoping review is to assess if research exists on benefits and risks of pudendal nerve block and dorsal root ganglion and …

Community Healthcare Workers (Chw) High-Risk Stabilization Study: Does The Ability Of Chws At Mobile Covid Clinics To Link Patients With Uncontrolled Diabetes To A Physician Improve Short Term Outcomes?, Mo Hadaya, Venkateswar Venkataraman, Jaimy D. Jabon, Kenneth W. Stagliano, Richard T. Jermyn

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Uncontrolled diabetes may cause preventable but significant effects. One major preventative measure is early screening; there are hopes that community healthcare workers can increase awareness and screening availability, especially in underserved populations. We hosted and recorded logs of patients at mobile COVID health clinics, educating those with uncontrolled diabetes and connecting them to healthcare. We then looked to see if any patients had improvements in blood glucose to non-diabetic levels. 378 patients were logged, but only 138 were in events that had a significant amount of repeat visits. Twenty-five of them had blood sugar indicative of uncontrolled diabetes. Out of …

The Effects Of Sleep Quality, Covariates And A Possible Intervention, Pranav S. Reddy, Mia Tarditi, Adarsh Gupta, Richard Jermyn, Venkat Venkataraman

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Sleep is an essential biological process needed to maintain adequate physiologic function. Research has provided growing evidence that chronic failure to get enough sleep is associated with increased risk for obesity, depression, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. Sleep deprivation is threatening the health of up to 45% of the world's population. Furthermore, sleep disorders were found to be associated with significantly higher rates of health care utilization and cost, accounting for $94.9 billion in costs each year in the United States. Earlier data from this project demonstrated a correlation between sleep quality and pain. METHODS: Patients were recruited …

An Unexpected Finding During A Breast Excisional Biopsy: A Case Report, Emily Forester, Anjeanette Brown

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Background: Pacemaker leads within the breast are rare. Although it is infrequent, there are some reports of implanted cardiac devices or wires migrating into breast tissue or through the chest wall. To the best of our knowledge, there are no current reports of pacemaker leads within the breast tissue of a patient with concurrent breast cancer. This case aims to detail the surgical management of this rare phenomenon.

Case Presentation: A pacemaker-dependent, female patient presented to the operating room for a left breast excisional biopsy. Intraoperatively, two epicardial leads were unexpectedly found within the center of the patient’s breast tissue. …

Effect Of Exercise Intervention On Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (Fshd), John Desrochers

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Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD) is a common muscular dystrophy. The facial muscles, shoulder girdles, and upper arms are notably affected.¹ A common presenting symptom is asymmetrical scapular winging and further symptoms may include but are not limited to: loss of pectoral muscles, fatigue, severe pain, pathologic spinal curvatures, and foot drop.² It is a particularly debilitating muscular dystrophy, with 20% of people >50 y.o. requiring a wheelchair.³ With no approved therapeutics, patients are managed symptomatically.³ This review sought to determine the effect of different exercise interventions on patients with FSHD. It is hypothesized that exercise may …

Interactions Between Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury And Methylphenidate Administration On Catecholamine Transporter Protein Levels Within The Rodent Prefrontal Cortex, Anna Abrimian, Eleni Papadopoulos, Christopher P. Knapp, J. Loweth, Barry Waterhouse, Rachel Navarra

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It is theorized that low concentrations of dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) within in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) following traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to increased risky behavior. Our lab has shown that repeated mild TBI (rmTBI) sex-differentially increases risky behavior in a rodent model. Methylphenidate (MPH) is a psychostimulant drug used to treat symptoms of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), also driven by a hypo-catecholaminergic PFC. MPH elevates catecholamine levels by blocking DA and NE transporters, DAT and NET. While the potential of psychostimulants to treat post-TBI symptoms have been explored, the effects of sub-chronic MPH on transporter levels following …

Pseudogout, A Case Of Rejection-Associated Pain, Emily Clark, Ziqian Wang

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Pseudogout, known as calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD), is an arthritis caused by the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals within the joint space. Certain medications have been implicated in the development of pseudogout. This case report examines a patient who developed pseudogout thought to be caused by the use of the immunosuppressant medication tacrolimus.

Identifying Chewing Alterations In A Parkinsonian Model, Nicholas Zanghi, Taylor Good, Shivam Patel, Francois Gould

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Patients suffering from Parkinson’s Disease will typically experience a range of motor and nonmotor symptoms. Characteristic signs of Parkinson’s include pill-rolling tremor, stooped posture, and shuffling gate. Patients with this disease can also develop oropharyngeal dysfunction, which can disable patients from meeting their physiologic needs. Understanding this disability and the changes in mastication kinematics can lead to potential future treatment. Our study induced Parkinson’s in rats with rotenone injections. Their jaw kinematics were identified through fluoroscopy of radio-opaque beads implanted into different areas of their jaws. The Parkinson’s induction altered mastication significantly with an increase in anterior/posterior range of motion …