Digital Commons Network^™

Smoking Cessation Education In Caregivers Of Pediatric Patients Hospitalized With Asthma Exacerbation, Maya Emptage, Kaitlynn Lineberry, Suzanne Kayali, Bobby Bellflower Dnsc, Nnp-Bc, Faanp, Michelle Rickard Dnp, Pnpac-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Pediatric asthma is rising globally, currently affecting over 300 million individuals and projected to reach 400 million by 2025. This scoping review aims to summarize existing evidence on the impact of providing smoking education to caregivers during hospitalization on reducing pediatric asthma exacerbations, with the goal of encouraging further research.

Methods

The search spanned from August 2022 to November 2024, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Inclusion criteria focused on studies involving human participants and caregivers of children receiving smoking cessation education in relation to asthma exacerbation and hospital admission. Databases searched included …

Real-World Clinical Burden Of Patients Presenting With Vaginitis Symptoms In The United States, Justin Chen, Jenny Tse, Liucheng Shi, Mindy M. Cheng, Rebecca Lillis, Aimee M. Near

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: While vaginitis is a leading cause of primary care visits among women with a gynecologic-related diagnosis, there are limited contemporary data on the healthcare burden. This study describes the real-world healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) of patients presenting with vaginitis symptoms in the United States (US) at symptom presentation and over long-term follow-up. Methods: This retrospective study utilized IQVIA's Longitudinal Prescription (LRx) and Medical Claims (Dx) databases to capture patients presenting with vaginitis symptoms from January 1, 2018 to September 30, 2022. The date of the first diagnosis code for vaginitis or related symptoms was considered the first clinical presentation …

Contribution Of Various Factors On The Rate Of Traffic Accidents In The Us, Martin Mnatsakanyan

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

Background:

Until 2020, the number of traffic accidents has been steadily decreasing. After 2020, the number started increasing until 2022, then started s lowly decreasing again. Most drivers aren’t fully aware of the reason behind all of these accidents.

Leukemia And Thyroid Cancer In Relation To Reca Boundaries, Cora Marinos

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

A total of 1,054 test were conducted by the United States between 1945 and 1992. This is more Atomic tests than all other countries combined. Of those tests 928 were conducted at the Nevada Test Site located 65 miles from Las Vegas, Nevada.

These tests spread nuclear fallout throughout the United States causing the people in nearby communities to become sick. The public outcry spurred the passing of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act in 1990 (RECA) It’s scope of coverage was broaded in 2000. Despite many groups fighting for further expansion, the Act expired in June of 2024.

Of the …

Examining Demographic, Geographic, And Temporal Patterns Of Melanoma Incidence In Texas From 2000 To 2018: Retrospective Study, Kehe Zhang, Madison M Taylor, Jocelyn Hunyadi, Hung Q Doan, Adewole S Adamson, Paige Miller, Kelly C Nelson, Cici Bauer

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Melanoma currently ranks as the fifth leading cancer diagnosis and is projected to become the second most common cancer in the United States by 2040. Melanoma detected at earlier stages may be treated with less-risky and less-costly therapeutic options.

Objective: This study aims to analyze temporal and spatial trends in melanoma incidence by stage at diagnosis (overall, early, and late) in Texas from 2000 to 2018, focusing on demographic and geographic variations to identify high-risk populations and regions for targeted prevention efforts.

Methods: We used melanoma incidence data from all 254 Texas counties from the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR) …

Efficacy And Safety Of Larotrectinib In Patients With Trk Fusion Gastrointestinal Cancer, Changsong Qi, Lin Shen, Thierry Andre, Hyun Cheol Chung, Timothy L Cannon, Elena Garralda, Antoine Italiano, Damian T Rieke, Tianshu Liu, Domnita-Ileana Burcoveanu, Natascha Neu, Chiara E Mussi, Rui-Hua Xu, David S Hong, Alexander Drilon, Jordan Berlin

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Larotrectinib is the first-in-class, highly selective TRK inhibitor with demonstrated efficacy in various TRK fusion solid tumours. We report the efficacy and safety of larotrectinib in patients with TRK fusion gastrointestinal (GI) cancer.

Methods: Patients with TRK fusion GI cancer from NAVIGATE (NCT02576431) were included. Response was independent review committee (IRC)-assessed per RECIST v1.1.

Results: As of July 2023, 44 patients were enrolled. Tumour types included colorectal (CRC; n = 26), pancreatic (n = 7), cholangiocarcinoma (n = 4), gastric (n = 3), and one each of appendiceal, duodenal, oesophageal and hepatic cancers. Of the 26 patients …

Reexploring The Stress Trial: Subgroup Postoperative Outcomes Following Methylprednisolone For Infant Heart Surgery, Sudeep D Sunthankar, Kevin D Hill, Jeffrey P Jacobs, H Scott Baldwin, Marshall L Jacobs, Jennifer S Li, Eric M Graham, Ashraf M Resheidat, Venugopal Amula, Mark S Bleiweis, Eric L Wald, Pirooz Eghtesady, John P Scott, Brett R Anderson, Michael F Swartz, Alexis Benscoter, William Ravekes, Prince J Kannankeril

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objective Assess the association between intraoperative methylprednisolone and specific postoperative outcomes among subgroups undergoing infant heart surgery.

Design: Subpopulation analyses of The Steroids to Reduce Systemic Inflammation after Infant Heart Surgery trial, a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Setting: 24 congenital heart centers.

Patients: Infants (< 1 year old) undergoing heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients stratified by Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Congenital Heart Surgery (STAT) Mortality Category, age, gestational age, and presence of chromosomal or syndromic diagnosis (CSD).

Interventions: Methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg) versus placebo administered into cardiopulmonary bypass pump-priming fluid.

Measurements and main results: Outcomes included death, heart transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, reinterventions, and hospital length of stay. Ranked composite outcome (death, transplant, or one of 13 major complications) was compared between placebo and methylprednisolone for each subgroup using the win ratio. Methylprednisolone …

Drive Time Analysis Of New Gynecologic Oncology Patients At West Virginia University, Kassandra Whitfield, Ariel Cohen, Krista Pfaendler, Kristy Ward

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: West Virginia is a rural mountain state; access to medical care, especially specialty care, can be difficult for patients.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the geographic status and transportation times of new gynecologic oncology patients.

Methods: Home zip codes for new patient gynecologic oncology patients were analyzed for drive times to the cancer center. Zip codes of oncology providers in the state were compared to the location of patients.

Results: A total of 1,097 new gynecologic oncology patients lived within a 240-minute drive of MBRCC; nearly half (48.9%) of them drove greater than 60 minutes. …

Low Dose Aspirin Is Associated With Improved 30-And 92-Day Outcomes In Patients With Acute Pancreatitis: A Multinational Multicenter Analysis, Do Han Kim Md, Donghyun Ko Md, Pedro Palacios Argueta Md, Wilhelm S. Basegoda Md, Jose A. Porres, Frank J. Lukens Md, Paul T. Kroner Md

Posters

Currently, no medications are known to formally treat or prevent acute pancreatitis (AP). Significant attention has been devoted to aspirin (ASA), with rodent models showing that it is associated with decreased inflammatory cytokine levels and protects against acinar cell necrosis. Current human studies, which are limited to retrospective inpatient outcomes only on the index hospitalization for AP, do suggest that patients on ASA have improved outcomes. The aim of our study was to explore de 30- and 90- day outcomes of patients with AP on long-term ASA use.

Chronic Antiplatelet Agent Use Is Associated With Decreased 90-Day Morbidity And Mortality In Patients With Acute Pancreatitis, Do Han Kim Md, Donghyun Ko, Pedro Palacios Argueta Md, Wilhelm S. Basegoda Md, Jose A. Porres, Frank J. Lukens Md, Paul T. Kroner Md

Posters

The aim of this study is to explore the association between the use of antiplatelets and outcomes of patients with AP using a large multinational database.

Acute Pancreatitis With Acute Kidney Injury Is Associated With Worse 30 And 90-Day Outcomes: A Multinational Multicenter Analysis, Donghyun Ko, Do Han Kim Md, Pedro Palacios Argueta Md, Wilhelm S. Basegoda Md, Frank J. Lukens Md, Paul T. Kroner Md

Posters

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) has been consistently shown to impact clinical outcomes and is a marker of organ dysfunction, being a primary indicator and driver of disease severity. The cornerstone of management of AP is aggressive intravenous fluid administration, and AKI has traditionally been a surrogate measure of the adequacy of volume repletion and is even recommended by the current ACG guidelines to be monitored in 6-hour intervals for 24-48 hours from presentation. While having been proven to be a factor of paramount importance on prior studies, the aim of our study is to …

Pancreatic Ascites: Update On Diagnosis And Management, Lefika Bathobakae, Heba Farhan, Derya Mücahit, Dina Rohira, Kashyap Chauhan, Yana Cavanagh, Walid Baddoura, Derick J Christian

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Pancreatic ascites is a rare condition characterized by the accumulation of high-amylase ascitic fluid in the peritoneal cavity. This condition is often associated with chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic trauma, or pseudocyst rupture. Because of its rarity and ill-defined clinical presentation, pancreatic ascites is often a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in clinical practice. The current diagnostic criteria include an amylase level >1000 mg/dL, a protein level >3 g/dL, and a serum ascites albumin gradient < 1.1 g/dL. The clinical features vary, but may include progressive abdominal distension, diffuse abdominal pain, weight loss and peritonitis. The management of pancreatic ascites remains controversial, and there is no consensus regarding the optimal approach. Conservative medical management, which includes nutritional support, pain control, therapeutic paracentesis and the use of somatostatin analogs, has been associated with a high failure rate and significant morbidity. Interventional therapies, such as surgery and endoscopic transpapillary stenting, have shown more promising outcomes. However, the choice between these methods is still debated, with some advocating for endoscopic approaches, because of their minimally invasive nature and reduced morbidity compared with surgical options. Endoscopic approaches remain underutilized in practice, probably because of the need for repeated interventions, the potential risks associated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, or a lack of skilled personnel. Although they show significant perioperative morbidity and mortality, surgical options provide definitive resolution of pancreatic ascites. Herein, we provide an updated review of pancreatic ascites, highlighting advances in diagnostic techniques and therapeutic approaches, and summarizing insights from recent clinical cases and retrospective studies.

Efficacy Of Neuromuscular Ultrasound In Diagnosing And Treating A Mammogram-Induced Brachial Plexus Injury-A Case Report, Jaime Dougherty, Tyler Pigott, Altamash E Raja

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

A 40-year-old woman presented with chronic left anterior shoulder, upper arm, and axillary pain following a routine mammogram 3 years prior. Despite multiple interventions, her pain persisted significantly affecting her quality of life. Ultrasound examination revealed fascicular edema in the medial brachial cutaneous nerve (MBCN), intercostobrachial cutaneous nerve (ICBN), and a positive sono-Tinel. Ultrasound-guided hydrodissection of these nerves provided complete axillary pain relief and significant improvement in anterior arm pain, sustained for 6 months. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of cutaneous nerve entrapment syndromes, often overlooked and misdiagnosed, especially without a clear inciting injury. Ultrasound proves superior to electrodiagnostic …

Untreated Subclinical Hypothyroidism Is Associated With Higher Mortality And Hepatic Decompensation In Patients With Masld/Mash: A Multinational Analysis, Do Han Kim Md, Donghyun Ko Md, Jose A. Porres, Wilhelm S. Basegoda Md, Cristina H. Makarian, Luis M. Nieto Md, Pedro Palacios Argueta Md, Paul T. Kroner Md, Frank J. Lukens Md

Posters

This study aims to explore whether subclinical hypothyroidism contributes to the progression of MASLD/MASH, reflected as an increased risk of liver-related outcomes.

A Fatal Triad: Concurrent Pulmonary Infections With Candida, Mucorales, And Aspergillus In An Immunocompromised Patient With Underlying Vasculitis And Diabetes, Paridhi Ghai, Kavitha Gopalratnam

Posters

We present a case of disseminated fungal disease involving simultaneous infections with Candida, Mucorales, and Aspergillus.

Functional Characterization Of The C-Terminal Cholinesterase-Like (Chel) Domain Of The Thyroid Hormone Precursor Protein, Berenice Morales-Rodriguez

Pharmaceutical Sciences (MS) Theses

Vertebrate life is unsustainable without thyroid hormones. The only known precursor for thyroid hormone synthesis is thyroglobulin (Tg), composed of upstream regions I-II-III and a C-terminal cholinesterase-like (ChEL) domain, which bears 47% similarity to acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Mutations in Tg cause congenital hypothyroidism, the most common congenital endocrinopathy affecting 1 in 2,000-4,000 newborns, with a varying degree of phenotypic manifestations. Tg protein, regulated by TSH, is secreted to the lumen of thyroid follicles, where thyroxine (T₄) is formed primarily at the N-terminus, and triiodothyronine (T₃) is formed primarily in the ChEL domain. Previous in vitro studies indicated …

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Exoy Enzymatic Activity Inhibits Exos-Induced Caspase-3/7 Activation But Not Cytotoxicity In Pmvecs, Connor Holm

Poster Presentations

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aer.) is the most common cause of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) in ICU patients. Different combinations of exoenzymes (S, T, Y, and U) are found in P. aer. strains. ExoY is most often associated with VAP in ICU patients. ExoY infection of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) induces cell rounding but does not activate intracellular caspase-3/7 or cause cell death. ExoS and ExoT infection of epithelial cells leads to caspase-3/7 dependent cell death. Previous studies using epithelial cells show that ExoY alleviates the cytotoxic effects of ExoS and ExoT. Here, we sought to determine whether ExoY inhibits …

Economy Smart Watch Fails To Accurately Monitor Blood Glucose Among Healthy Adults, Thinh Le Mr., Douglas Oberlin Dr., Adam Mohan Mr.

Undergraduate Research

Monitoring and maintenance of blood glucose (BG) concentrations is of critical importance to individuals with diabetes mellitus. However, this often requires multiple finger-sticks and a glucometer, or the use of a prescription continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Recently, some smart watches have become available which claim to non-invasively monitor BG. This should not be confused with watches that pair with CGMs. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the economy smart watches were capable of detecting BG changes among healthy individuals. Currently three participants have completed this study. Healthy young adults reported to the lab after a 4-6 hour …

Wild West Healthcare: Addressing Healthcare Disparities In Rural Texas, Alexis K. O'Neal

2025 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Rural communities in Texas face significant barriers to healthcare access, including geographic isolation, limited healthcare facilities, and shortages of healthcare providers, which exacerbate health disparities and contribute to poorer health outcomes (Bennett et al., 2019; Jafri et al., 2024). This study examines healthcare access disparities between rural and urban areas in Texas, focusing on the role of telehealth and its impact on vulnerable populations, such as older adults and cardiovascular patients. Regions of Texas were categorized into rural, metropolitan, and metroplex areas to analyze variations in healthcare outcomes and access. Rural areas, defined as those with populations under 200,000, struggle …

Comparison Of Graft Patency Between Sta, Ra, And Sv Grafts Of Intracranial Aneurysms Of The Internal Carotid Artery, Nassos Tziviskos, Hallie Tiburzi, Susrut Dube

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Abstract

Background: Patients with intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms that are not amenable to treatments like coiling, stenting, or clipping have limited treatment options. One option is vascular bypass of the aneurysm to introduce a stable route for cerebral perfusion, which can be performed using the superficial temporal artery (STA) or alternatively radial artery (RA) or saphenous vein (SV) grafts, among other vessels.

Methods: The major databases were searched to identify studies that explored graft patency and functional outcome for patients who underwent bypass for intracranial ICA aneurysms with STA, RA, or SV grafts and proportion meta-analysis was performed. …

Advancing Research On Retinitis Pigmentosa: An Investigation Of Natural History, Visual System Plasticity, And Mutation-Independent Treatment., Cecilia A. Attaway

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal disease characterized by rod and then cone photoreceptor degeneration. ~25% of cases are caused by a genetic mutation that results in autosomal dominant RP (adRP). There has been a lack of exploration of the progression of degeneration in adRP models. In Chapter Two, I examined visual acuity (VA) changes, retinal structure, and function from early to late-stage disease in a murine P23H Rho ‘knock-in’ mouse model (Rho^P23H/+), the most common form of adRP in North America. To establish a natural history, I evaluated behavioral VA, using the visual water task, …

The Dynamic Role Of Hyaluronan In Acute Cardiac Wound Healing., Danielle T. Little

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

During acute myocardial infarction (MI), the composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) undergoes significant changes. While collagen accumulation is one of the most well-documented ECM alterations, hyaluronan (HA) is equally abundant. However, the cellular sources, enzymatic regulation, and functional significance of HA accumulation remain largely unexplored. Here, we hypothesized that activated cardiac fibroblasts produce HA via hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2), facilitating scar formation and stability. Our findings demonstrate that HA accumulates post-MI and persists for at least four weeks. Through HA sizing techniques, we determined the molecular weight of this persistent HA. Additionally, RNA sequencing analysis of failing human hearts …

The Role Of Tgfβ-Activated Kinase 1 In Fibroblast Differentiation And Cardiac Remodeling After Injury., Daniel Chien Nguyen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Immediately following myocardial injury, a robust reparative response is orchestrated through intercellular communication. While various cell populations play critical roles in this process, cardiac fibroblasts have long been recognized as essential mediators of collagen synthesis and scar maturation; however, recent investigations have uncovered significant heterogeneity within the cardiac fibroblast population, revealing distinct subpopulations with roles that extend beyond their traditional functions. Notably, after tissue injury, fibroblasts exposed to damage signals can transition to an inflammatory phenotype, utilizing paracrine and autocrine signaling to coordinate immune cell recruitment and activation. Yet, the mechanisms underlying inflammatory cardiac fibroblast differentiation and their influence on …

A Review On Treatment, Prevention, And Research Of Worldwide Parasitic Disease: Toxoplasmosis, Hannah Skinner

All Theses

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide, yet often overlooked, parasitic disease caused by the protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. The parasite is capable of infecting humans and almost all warm-blooded vertebrates. Over a million people are infected in the United States with toxoplasmosis each year. Most infections are asymptomatic but severe cases can lead to vision impairment, neurological disorders, and congenital birth defects. T. gondii is transmitted through undercooked meat, infected feline feces, or contaminated water and soil. The burden of T. gondii infection is most notable in livestock, felines, and immunocompromised humans. Despite being a widespread disease, toxoplasmosis is neglected in …

Efficacy Of Platelet Rich Plasma On Thumb Basal Joint Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review, Vrushank Shah, Alexander King

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a potential treatment for carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis, with studies suggesting it may offer more durable symptom relief compared to corticosteroids. A comprehensive review of four studies, including two randomized controlled trials (RCTs), a retrospective study, and a pilot study, revealed that both PRP and corticosteroid injections led to short-term improvements in pain and function. However, PRP demonstrated significantly better long-term outcomes, with VAS scores decreasing from 75 to 20 in the PRP group at 12 months, compared to a modest reduction from 70 to 65 in the corticosteroid group. Additionally, PRP showed a …

Personalizing Intermittent Fasting: The Role Of Microbiome Diversity And Fiber Intake In Shaping Health Outcomes, Jana Gjini, Robin Moore, Venkateswar Venkataraman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

BACKGROUND: Intermittent fasting (IF) has been linked to improved metabolic health, reduced inflammation, and increased longevity in animal models. These effects are thought to be mediated through changes in the gut microbiome. Murine studies consistently show that IF enhances microbial diversity and promotes beneficial species like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, improving metabolic profiles and gut barrier function. However, human studies reveal inconsistent results, suggesting that individual-level factors such as baseline microbiome composition and fiber intake may influence response to IF.

HYPOTHESIS: Baseline gut microbiome diversity and habitual dietary fiber intake modulate the metabolic and inflammatory benefits of intermittent fasting in humans. …

Early Celiac Plexus Block In Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer, Brian Fardman, Christina Sheedy, Joshua Raymond

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Both Early and Delayed Celiac Plexus Blocks (CPBs) have been used in pancreatic cancer. Early CPB is completed when criteria for CPB is initially met, whereas Delayed CPB is implemented only after recalcitrant pain persists. We describe the benefit of early CPB in pancreatic cancer management.

Ks151 Synergizes With Venetoclax And Abt-737 In Aml: Efficacy In Both Flt3-Wildtype And Flt3-Mutant Models, Sahil Jethi, Arnold Rojas, Omar S. Al-Odat, Krishne Gowda, Subash C. Jonnalagadda, Manoj Pandey

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common leukemia in adult patients, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 30 percent. Therefore, more effective therapeutic strategies are required to prolong the survival of AML patients. Importantly, anti-apoptotic proteins, especially B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), overexpression in AML is associated with uncontrolled growth as well as chemoresistance. Unsurprisingly, Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) overexpresses in AML and associated with poor prognosis and chemoresistance. The FDA-approved BTK inhibitor, ibrutinib, has been successful in treating other hematologic malignancies, but a proportion of patients relapse mainly because of acquired mutations at Cys481Ser (C481S) in the …

Rare Jugular Bulb Tumor Presenting As Bilateral Papilledema, Yoona Choe, Matthew Boyle, Peter Maduka

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Optic disc edema, which may arise from a range of inflammatory, ischemic, compressive, infiltrative, or hereditary causes, can also indicate elevated intracranial pressure in the form of papilledema. Given its potential association with life-threatening conditions such as mass lesions or venous sinus thrombosis, timely identification and thorough evaluation are critical. In this case, a 61-year-old female presented with a complaint of a new-onset floater in her left eye. Despite minimal symptoms and an unremarkable systemic review, dilated fundus examination revealed bilateral optic disc edema with hyperemia and hemorrhages, prompting urgent neuroimaging. MRI and MRV identified venous thrombi in the right …

The Effective Utilization Of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) In Early Melanoma Detection, Svetlana Filiche

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background:

Melanoma, while comprising only 1% of skin cancer cases, accounts for a high mortality rate due to its ability to metastasize if not detected early. Traditional face-to-face dermatologic evaluations provide limited access to care, resulting in delayed diagnoses.

Significance:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a novel approach to improve diagnostic accuracy and accessibility by alleviating strain on healthcare resources in medically underserved areas.

Methods:

A literature review was conducted using studies published in the last ten years. Eligible resources included case reports, clinical studies, clinical trials, meta-analyses, reviews, and systematic reviews in English. Studies that were repetitive or inapplicable were …